Officer dismissed following gross misconduct hearing

Police Constable Peter Willdigg was investigated by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) over allegations that he instigated a sexual relationship with a vulnerable female victim he met during April 2006 while investigating an allegation of assault.

The disciplinary hearing heard evidence that the officer had provided the woman with his personal phone number, exchanged text messages and subsequently engaged in sexual activity with her over a period of time during 2006.

The IOPC investigation began in May 2019, after a referral from North Wales Police of a public complaint, and was completed in December.

“Our investigation found evidence of a case to answer for gross misconduct for the officer for allegedly breaching police standards of professional behaviour,” said the IOPC.

“North Wales Police agreed with our findings and scheduled a misconduct hearing.”

The panel, headed by an independent, legally qualified chair, determined the officer’s actions at the time were “targeted and planned”, and that gross misconduct was proven. It said the officer had breached police standards of honesty and integrity, and discreditable conduct.

A sanction of dismissal without notice was imposed at the end of the hearing last week.

IOPC director for Wales, Catrin Evans, said: “The police disciplinary panel has determined this constable has breached the high standards of professional behaviour expected of a police officer by engaging in sexual activity with a vulnerable woman he met through his duties. Any officer who abuses their position of trust for sexual purpose has no place in policing.”

The officer will now be placed on the police barred list.