GMP PS And PC Convicted Of Misconduct

Mon, 15 March 2010 Courtesy of: IPCC

Two Greater Manchester Police officers have been found guilty of misconduct in public office following an investigation managed by the Independent Police Complaints Commission.

Pc Jason Charles Hanvey and Sgt Andrew Paul Kennedy were found guilty following a trial at Manchester Crown Court. Both officers will be sentenced on 8 April.

The charges related to the alleged mistreatment of two 18 year-old women at Collyhurst Police Station in October 2008.

“People who are arrested should expect to be treated in a professional manner”

Pc Hanvey was found guilty in relation the use of unlawful force against one of the women, while Sgt Kennedy was found guilty in relation to failing to prevent the use of unlawful force.

Two other officers – Pc Kenneth John Wilson and Pc Kerry Louise Williams – and Civilian Detention Officer Kristina Hawkins, were found not guilty of misconduct in public office.

The IPCC managed the Greater Manchester Police investigation into the incident, which involved two women, who were 18 at the time, who had been arrested following an incident in Piccadilly Gardens, Manchester.

The women were taken to Collyhurst Police Station to be detained.

The CCTV evidence showed one of the women being subjected to unlawful force and verbal abuse in the custody suite. The abuse included Pc Hanvey threatening to rip (the girl's) skull off".

IPCC Commissioner Ms Naseem Malik said "People who are arrested should expect to be treated in a professional manner by the police officers who deal with them.

But in this case this young woman was treated in an utterly shocking way. Pc Hanvey acted like a bully and threatened and abused this girl. Sgt Kennedy failed to use his authority to stop the abuse. The actions were what you might expect from a street gang, not professional police officers.

There was no justification for the behaviour whatsoever. It was appalling and a total abuse of authority."

Ms Malik added: This verdict was the result of a thorough investigation by Greater Manchester Police's Professional Standards Department under our direction and control. I welcome the verdict of the court - it is a clear message that police officers are not above the law. I await confirmation of Greater Manchester Police's discipline proposals in relation to the findings of the investigation."