Detective 'abused role to have sexual relations'

The Avon and Somerset Police officer is facing a misconduct panel hearing

A detective allegedly abused his position to have sexual relations with two women he met during investigations, a misconduct hearing has been told.

Detective Constable Simon Jones, from Bristol, allegedly asked one woman to get a burner phone to hide evidence of their relationship.

Barrister George Thomas, representing Avon and Somerset Police, said Det Con Jones began a relationship with one of the women after investigating an assault against her son.

The detective is accused of breaches which, if proven, would amount to gross misconduct.

Det Con Jones also borrowed money from the mother to pay for a house deposit, money he later paid her back, the panel was told, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

DC Jones allegedly asked her to get a burner phone to hide evidence of their relationship, which she did, and told her that if the counter-corruption unit asked him if they’d had a relationship, he would deny it.

The other woman that the officer is alleged to have had an improper relationship with denies that they were ever together, but Det Con Jones’ iPad was found to be at her address on multiple occasions.

He is accused of breaching the standards of professional behaviour in terms of honesty and integrity; authority, respect and courtesy; and discreditable conduct.

The hearing continues.