Two police sergeants accused of a wide range of serious allegations over the treatment of a detained woman have been cleared of most claims — with a misconduct panel instead identifying a limited number of proven failings during a controversial custody incident.
Two custody sergeants at the centre of a high-stakes misconduct hearing have been cleared of the majority of serious allegations made against them following an incident involving a detainee in January 2023.
PS Lianne Aldridge and former PS William Fuller were investigated after a woman, referred to as CS, was arrested, taken into custody while intoxicated, and later subjected to a strip search.
The panel examined a wide range of allegations, including claims of excessive force, failures to obtain medical attention, improper supervision, and breaches of custody procedures. However, after reviewing the evidence, the panel found a significant number of these allegations were not proven.
Despite the volume and seriousness of the claims, the panel rejected key parts of the case against both officers.
Instead, the findings focused on a narrower set of issues.
Both officers were found to have allowed the strip search to take place in sight of male officers, which the panel determined did not meet required standards.
PS Aldridge was further found to have failed to challenge the observation level placed on the detainee, failed to complete a use of force form, and left the cell laughing following the incident.
Former PS Fuller was found to have failed in aspects of risk assessment, documentation, and record-keeping, including not completing a use of force form and making limited inaccurate custody record entries.
The panel concluded that the proven conduct amounted to misconduct, not gross misconduct.
PS Aldridge, who remains a serving officer, was issued a Written Warning for 18 months, with the panel describing the conduct as serious but not at the highest level.
Former PS Fuller had already resigned prior to the hearing outcome. As a result, the panel recorded a finding of misconduct on his service record, with no further action available.
The case underlines how extensive and serious allegations can be fully tested at a hearing, with many ultimately not proven, while still resulting in disciplinary findings where specific failures are established.
