Trinity Professional Disciplinary and Misconduct barrister, Steven Reed, successfully defended two police officers in two separate police Misconduct Hearings, which took place on 5 & 6 August and 10 & 11 August 2026 respectively, at Cumbria HQ, presided over by separate police Misconduct Panels.
PC Brook faced allegations that she had deliberately lied about the enquiries she conducted during a police investigation. Following a two-day hearing, in which the Panel heard live evidence from two witnesses and PC Brook, the Panel found the allegations that PC Brook was dishonest were not proved. Accordingly, the Panel found that she had not breached the honesty and integrity standard of professional behaviour. PC Brook had previously accepted that her conduct breached the duties and responsibilities standard of professional behaviour. The Panel accepted PC Brook’s admission and found that her conduct amount to misconduct only. The Panel then concluded that the appropriate sanction was a final written warning.
PC Ayling faced allegations that he: a) failed to be diligent in an investigation and when providing safeguarding to a victim of crime; and b) had deliberately lied when completing the paperwork relating to his investigation. The Panel heard live evidence from two witnesses and PC Ayling. The panel found that he had not acted dishonestly but had failed to conduct an adequate investigation/provide safeguarding. The Panel found that PC Ayling had not breached the honesty and integrity standard of professional behaviour; but his proved conduct amounted to breaches of the duties and responsibilities and discreditable conduct standards of professional behaviour. The Panel further found that the proved breaches amounted to misconduct only. Having made these findings the Panel concluded that the appropriate sanction was a final written warning.
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.