Trinity Professional Disciplinary and Misconduct barrister, Steven Reed, successfully defended Detective Constable (DC) ‘A’ at an Accelerated Police Misconduct Hearing (AMH) conducted on 27 October 2025 at Cheshire Police Headquarters. The AMH was presided over by the Chief Constable of Cheshire Police.
DC ‘A’ faced an allegation of inappropriately touching a female colleague while off duty, which the appropriate authority alleged amounted to sexual harassment. DC A admitted the touch but denied that there was any sexual element.
On the day of the hearing, Steven advanced legal arguments that resulted in the appropriate authority withdrawing the sexual element of the allegation. Following submissions, the Chief Constable determined that the appropriate outcome was a final written warning, which is the lowest available sanction in proceedings of this nature.
Steven was instructed by Mr. Dan Weed and Mr. Chris Corkindale from Burton Copeland Solicitors in this case.
Steven specialises in all aspects of Police misconduct. Prior to joining the Bar, Steven was a Police Superintendent. He regularly represents Police Officers and Police Authorities at Misconduct Hearings across England.
Having been recognised as a Tier 1 Leading Junior under Professional Disciplinary Law in 2026's Legal 500, Steven features regularly in the leading legal directory, with recent entries including:
"His advice is always timely, thorough and well set out, making it easy to relay to the lay client. He is approachable and always happy to answer any questions on a case."
"Steven is an excellent barrister. His advocacy is measured and well thought out"
"Steven has a no-nonsense approach and is quickly able to reassure clients. He is tenacious and his understanding of police conduct matters is second to none"
"A junior with a cool and understated advocacy style"
Legal 500