West Yorkshire Police officers to face misconduct hearing

21 May 2020 03:26 PM

Three West Yorkshire Police (WYP) officers who initially investigated the death of three-year-old Riley Siswick in Huddersfield are facing allegations they committed gross misconduct.

WYP officers DCI Mark Swift, DI George Bardell and PC Oliver Scoones are alleged to have breached professional standards of behaviour which, if proven, could be considered serious enough to warrant dismissal.

Their misconduct hearing began on 18 May 2020 following a 10-month investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC). The hearing originally started in July 2018 but was adjourned on several occasions.

Riley tragically died on 6 February 2016. The three officers were involved in investigating the circumstances of his death.

A mandatory referral was made to the IOPC in December 2016 by West Yorkshire Police in relation to the police investigation. We launched an investigation which was completed in October 2017 when we concluded the three officers had a case to answer for gross misconduct.

West Yorkshire Police disagreed and in January 2018 we directed that a hearing take place. It will be for a panel to decide if the case against the officers is proven.

Following further information, a further West Yorkshire Police investigation was carried out into Riley’s death, Kyle Campbell and Kayleigh Siswick were charged in November 2018.

On 13 June 2019 Mr Campbell was found guilty of murder and of causing or allowing the death of a child. He was given a life sentence with a minimum of 20 years.

Ms Siswick was found guilty of causing or allowing the death of a child and was sentenced to seven years in prison.

The three officers face allegations that they failed to conduct a thorough or appropriate investigation and that they prepared a report to HM Coroner which was incomplete or misleading. DI Bardell and DCI Swift also face an allegation that they failed to supervise and direct the investigation appropriately.

The allegations, if proven, could be seen as a breach of their duties and responsibilities and of conduct that could discredit the police service or undermine public confidence in policing.

There are two additional allegations against the officers that could be considered to be misconduct if proven, namely DCI Swift failed to follow relevant national and local policies and procedure and PC Scoones failed to co-operate with social services as required.