CPS brings single charge against former PCC
Former Northamptonshire police and crime commissioner (PCC) Adam Simmonds has been charged with breaching the Data Protection Act.
Sep 13, 2016
By Nick Hudson
Former Northamptonshire police and crime commissioner (PCC) Adam Simmonds has been charged with breaching the Data Protection Act.
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) announced the decision in a statement after a “thorough review of the evidence” had led it to charge Mr Simmonds with one offence.
Earlier this year the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) passed the findings of an inquiry into Northamptonshire`s first PCC on to prosecutors.
The IPCC investigated claims Mr Simmonds breached the Data Protection Act by allegedly disclosing “sensitive” information relating to a criminal investigation to third parties in 2013 and committed an offence of misconduct in public office.
A CPS spokesperson said: After a thorough review of the evidence we have decided to charge Adam Simmonds with one offence of breaching the Data Protection Act 1998.
The case met the test set out in the Code for Crown Prosecutors that there is a realistic prospect of a conviction and it is in the public interest.
Mr Simmonds lawyers have been informed,” the statement added.
Conservative Adam Simmonds was Northamptonshire`s first police and crime commissioner, but did not stand for re-election in May.
In April, Police Professional reported that Mr Simmonds had issued a press release claiming he first learned of the IPCC`s investigation through a member of his media team, and at the time had not received formal notification, explanation for why the investigation was being conducted, or any specific information about the complaint.
Despite saying it was “absolutely right” that anyone in public office should be held accountable, Mr SImmonds claimed he had been “unreasonably treated” by the IPCC.