Greater Manchester Police sergeant who punched and kicked a woman during an off-duty altercation at a party has been given a final written warning after a misconduct panel found his actions amounted to gross misconduct.
Police Sergeant Neil Wood appeared before a misconduct hearing at Greater Manchester Police headquarters on 9 March 2026.
The panel heard the incidents took place during a joint party hosted by the officer and his neighbour on 4 July 2020.
According to the findings, the officer became involved in a confrontation with another guest, identified as SK, after asking a woman, identified as AM, to leave his home.
The panel said PS Wood approached SK in an “agitated and intoxicated state” before the situation escalated into violence.
The findings stated the officer threw punches, fought with SK and shouted at guests while being restrained.
The panel also found proven that the officer punched AM in the face, causing her to fall to the floor, before kicking her twice.
It concluded that “as a result of the officer’s violent conduct, AM sustained significant facial injury”.
PS Wood admitted his conduct breached the Standards of Professional Behaviour relating to Authority, Respect and Courtesy and Discreditable Conduct.
The panel found his conduct was “intentional, deliberate and targeted” and determined it amounted to gross misconduct.
In mitigation, the panel noted the incident was confined to a single episode and that there had been “an element of provocation”.
The hearing also considered the officer’s acceptance of responsibility, good disciplinary record and positive character references.
The panel concluded the appropriate outcome was a final written warning for three years.
