Top cop recruitment bid ruled 'unlawful'

High Court verdict goes against commissioner's plans

- Sentinel Reporter

THE Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Staffordshire's decision to recruit a temporary chief constable after its previous one was suspended from duty was 'unlawful', a High Court judge has ruled.

Staffordshire Police Chief Constable Chris Noble, right, was suspended on August 1 after serious concerns were raised about his behaviour outside work.

Mr Noble, who denies any wrongdoing, is under investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) for the matters, which predate his employment with the force.

The commissioner, Ben Adams, below, decided to establish a recruitment process to appoint a temporary replacement for Mr Noble rather than ask the Deputy Chief Constable, Rebecca Riggs, to take on the role.