Lincolnshire Police inspector smacked officer's bottom, hearing told

Officers had been enjoying a night out at The Joseph Morton pub in Louth, the hearing was told

A Lincolnshire Police inspector has been accused of smacking a female officer's bottom on a work night out.

Adam Syred is accused of 14 allegations of inappropriate behaviour towards female colleagues and the public.

On Monday, during the opening day of a misconduct hearing in Skegness, details were given of one officer's allegations.

In response, Mr Syred said he either had no recollection of the incidents or denied they were sexually motivated.

The inspector is accused of engaging in a pattern of behaviour that could significantly undermine public confidence in the police, with incidents reportedly occurring on multiple occasions since October 2019.

Insp Adam Syred is having his misconduct case heard at Skegness Police Station

As well as inappropriate physical behaviour, Mr Syred is said to have made sexual or personal remarks to both fellow staff and members of the public, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

Ian Mullarkey, bringing proceedings on behalf of Lincolnshire Police, said Mr Syred introduced himself to colleagues as the new inspector for the area while the officers had been enjoying a night out at The Joseph Morton pub in Louth in October 2019.

Later in the evening, it is alleged he touched the officer.

In her testimony given to the hearing at Skegness Police Station, the constable said "it certainly wasn't welcome or wanted". After the incident, Mr Syred laughed with his wife, the officer said.

The constable added: "It shocked me. I don't know why anybody would think I would welcome that."

She said she regretted not having formally reported the incident at the time. Mr Syred said he had no recollection of the incident.

The same officer alleged Mr Syred:

• Brought sweets in for colleagues at Christmas and placed them in a large "Santa" sack, before asking her, "Would you like a rummage through my sack?"

• Tried to instigate a conversation with her about the television show Naked Attraction

• Performed lunges and squats in her direction, dressed in shorts and running gear

• Told her he had taken a photograph of her while she was asleep in case he "needed it for later".

Steven Reed, representing Mr Syred, contended the constable's perception of Mr Syred had been "coloured" by the earlier incident at the pub. He further suggested the individual who smacked her bottom might not have been Mr Syred, noting she did not see who was responsible for the act.

The hearing continues.