Cheshire Police officer sacked over sexual misconduct allegations

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 16 Oct, 06:00 · Archive

Cheshire Police has sacked PC Anthony Spelman and barred him from the profession after a gross misconduct hearing found his conduct amounted to an 'all-consuming desire for sexual gratification'. The Widnes-based officer was dismissed without notice.

The misconduct hearing took place in April, but the force only published its outcome report this week. According to the Chester Standard, the publication had been delayed pending criminal court proceedings in which PC Spelman was acquitted. The other outlets report the delay was pending an investigation by a separate police force.

PC Spelman was alleged to have messaged two women on his personal mobile phone between April and May 2023, discussing his preference for rape roleplay during sex. Both women knew he was a police officer. He was also alleged to have established an improper emotional relationship with a woman he had met in the course of his police duties. He later recognised her on a dating site and pursued contact with her, engaging in sexually explicit messaging before meeting her for sexual activity.

Chief Constable Mark Roberts stated that the messages were 'wholly inappropriate' and revealed 'misogynistic views' inconsistent with the force's priority to reduce violence against women and girls. Although the exchanges occurred in a private context and the recipients were apparently willing participants, Mr Roberts concluded they could undermine public confidence in policing and constituted gross misconduct.

How it is being reported

• Cheshire Police officer sacked over ‘all-consuming sexual gratification desire’Cheshire Police officer PC Anthony Spelman sacked and barred after gross misconduct hearing over sexualised messages, on-duty conversations and abuse of position.Northwich Guardian · 16 Oct, 05:00
• Cheshire Police officer sacked over ‘all-consuming sexual gratification desire’Cheshire Police officer PC Anthony Spelman sacked and barred after gross misconduct hearing over sexualised messages, on-duty conversations and abuse of position.Warrington Guardian · 16 Oct, 05:00
• Cheshire Police officer sacked over ‘all-consuming sexual gratification desire’Cheshire Police officer PC Anthony Spelman sacked and barred after gross misconduct hearing over sexualised messages, on-duty conversations and abuse of position.Chester Standard · 16 Oct, 05:00

In this story: PC Anthony Spelman · Mark Roberts · Cheshire Police · Widnes

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem