Trinity Professional Disciplinary and Misconduct barrister, Steven Reed, successfully defended PC Aodan O’Neill at a police Accelerated Misconduct Hearing, conducted on 15 May 2026 at Lincolnshire Police HQ, presided over by the Chief Constable of Lincolnshire Police.
Following his conviction for dangerous driving at Nottingham Crown Court, PC O’Neill faced an allegation of discreditable conduct. PC O’Neill admitted that his conviction amounted to gross misconduct, but Steven argued that the unique circumstances of PC O’Neill’s conviction meant that he did not require to be dismissed from the police service.
Steven delivered detailed written and oral submissions, which mitigated the severity of the admitted misconduct. Steven’s submissions were accepted in full by the Chief Constable, who determined that in the circumstances of this case, PC O’Neill did not require to be dismissed.
Accordingly, the Chief Constable found that while PC O’Neill’s admitted conduct amounted to gross misconduct, a final written warning for 4 years was the appropriate sanction.
Steven was instructed by the Police Federation of England and Wales.
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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 and Wales.