Ex-special constable claimed to be Olympic rider
A misconduct hearing heard how Christopher Harper-Davies claimed to have competed in dressage for Team GB
- Published
A former special constable has been barred from policing after claiming he was an Olympic horse rider and coach.
Christopher Harper-Davies said he had been a member of the Team GB dressage team and coached Singapore’s only Olympic dressage rider.
The officer had applied to join Gloucestershire Police in October 2021 and began his duties in Cheltenham the following year.
It was also revealed at the misconduct hearing that he had told his superiors he previously served as a special constable with Sussex Police.
Stephen Morley, presenting the case, told an accelerated misconduct hearing Harper-Davies’ lies were a breach of honesty and integrity.
“When he was interviewed, he said he was scared of competing and that’s why he had not competed," Mr Morley said.
The hearing heard the Singapore Olympic rider had for a time been trained by Harper-Davies’ then partner, but he had not been involved.
Mr Morley said Harper-Davies had accepted, during an interview with professional standards, that he had been dishonest about his previous policing experience, as well as his horse riding ability.
“He is clearly telling lies and he has been acting without integrity,” he said.
Harper-Davies resigned form the force in December 2023.
He did not attend the hearing, had not submitted any formal response to the allegations and was not legally represented.
'Deeply regrets' actions
In a letter of resignation, he apologised and says he "deeply regrets" his actions and is "sorry for his behaviour".
Mr Mathieson said he found all three allegations against Mr Harper-Davies proven and that they amounted to gross misconduct.
“These lies took place on multiple occasions and he admits they were dishonest,” he said.
“As a result of his lies he was allowed to assume extra responsibilities. Those lies were a serious breach of integrity.
“Special Constable Harper-Davies would have been dismissed if he was still a member of the police force.
“He will be placed on the police barred list.”
It means the former special constable cannot work for the police again in any capacity.
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- Published7 October
- Published9 October
- Published9 October