Police sergeant sacked for gross misconduct

POLICE sergeant was sacked after he put his hands around a woman's throat and made a grossly inappropriate sexual comment after a day of drinking in Swansea for St Patrick's Day.

- ELLIE GOSLEY

Police sergeant Richard Jones, of South Wales Police, denied the allegations but a misconduct hearing found the claims to be true and concluded Jones' actions amounted to gross misconduct.

The hearing heard Jones had been out drinking in Swansea with other officers for around five hours when the incident in question occurred causing significant "psychological harm" to the woman involved.

He was dismissed without notice due to the "violent nature" and "seriousness" of his actions.

The hearing was told Jones and a number of officers had met up in Swansea for a day and night out while off duty on March 17, 2023.

Jones had consumed three pints of Guinness at two locations earlier in the afternoon before the group attended a bottomless brunch at Turtle Bay, when more alcohol was consumed.

The group then moved to bars in Wind Street, where they were joined by another officer and her friend, who was referred to throughout the hearing as Ms A.