North Wales Police officer dismissed following gross misconduct hearing

14 Sep 2020 01:44 PM

A North Wales Police officer has been dismissed from the force following an investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

PC Peter Willdigg was investigated over allegations that he instigated a sexual relationship with a vulnerable woman he met in the course of his duties in 2006.

The IOPC investigation began in May 2019, after a referral from North Wales Police of a public complaint, and was completed in December. Our investigation found evidence of a case to answer for gross misconduct for the officer for allegedly breaching police standards of professional behaviour.

North Wales Police agreed with our findings and scheduled a misconduct hearing. At the police disciplinary hearing, evidence was heard that the officer had provided the woman with his personal phone number, exchanged text messages and subsequently engaged in sexual activity with her over a period of time during 2006.  

The police hearing panel, headed by an independent, legally qualified Chair, determined the officer’s actions at the time were targeted and planned, and that gross misconduct was proven. The officer had breached police standards of honesty and integrity, and discreditable conduct. A sanction of dismissal without notice was imposed at the end of the hearing on Tuesday (8 September).

IOPC Director for Wales, Catrin Evans said: “The police disciplinary panel has determined this constable has breached the high standards of professional behaviour expected of a police officer by engaging in sexual activity with a vulnerable woman he met through his duties. Any officer who abuses their position of trust for sexual purpose has no place in policing.”

The officer will now be placed on the police barred list.