A MISCONDUCT hearing into the alleged behaviour of the Avon and Somerset Chief Constable is set to take place on Monday, June 29 – more than a year after he was suspended.

Chief Constable Nick Gargan is accused of inappropriate advances to female staff, an accusation he has consistently denied.

He was sent home on full pay on May 13 last year by Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner Sue Mountstevens.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission has ruled that the case, which could take up to ten days, should be held in private.

An independent panel including the chairman, HM Inspector of Constabulary Wendy Williams and independent member John Rickard will hear the case and provide their findings in a report to Ms Mountstevens to help inform her decision on the outcome of the proceedings.

An investigation following Mr Gargan’s suspension decided against a criminal prosecution, but Ms Mountstevens decided to go ahead with the misconduct proceedings.