PC allowed domestic violence suspect to leave scene

A hearing took place at Nottinghamshire Police's Sherwood Lodge headquarters on Wednesday

A Nottinghamshire Police officer who let a domestic violence suspect leave a crime scene and falsified evidence has been sacked.

PC James Shekelton was sent to an address on 13 December last year after a woman reported being assaulted and held against her will by her ex-partner.

An accelerated misconduct hearing held at Nottinghamshire Police's Sherwood Lodge headquarters on Wednesday heard he turned off his bodyworn camera and allowed the suspect to leave, then did not label footage he had recorded to be marked as evidence.

When a detective was assigned to investigate, he denied recording any footage, which the panel heard was "another deliberate attempt to conceal his actions".

'Series of lies'

PC Shekelton later said the suspect was leaving at the time of his arrival, even though he was on the sofa in his ex-partner's address when the officer arrived.

He later admitted making "genuine mistakes" but denied attempting to deliberately mislead the investigation.

The hearing found he had breached the following standards of professional behaviour – duties and responsibilities, honesty and integrity, discreditable conduct and order and instruction.

As well as being dismissed from the force, he was also placed on the police barred list.

Chief Constable Kate Meynell, who chaired the panel, said Shekelton's actions were "a continuous series of lies relating to the existence of evidence that was integral to the investigation".

"Honesty and integrity is paramount for all police officers and the actions of this officer fell far below the high standards expected," she said.

"His conduct undermines public trust and confidence and therefore he must be dismissed and placed on the barred list."