Wiltshire chief constable 'can retire' despite IPCC probe

Wiltshire's chief constable can retire, despite a finding that he may have mishandled complaints about how the force investigated sex abuse claims.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission found Patrick Geenty, 58, and two other officers have a "case to answer" for misconduct.

Police commissioner Angus Macpherson has two weeks to say whether he agrees.

But he said there was "no legal ground" to block Mr Geenty's retirement and his last day would be Sunday.

The IPCC has been investigating whether, in 2009, a detective inspector and detective constable who had been examining the way Wiltshire Police dealt with sexual abuse allegations had withheld information from the complainants about "the extent of the force's failings".

It was also alleged that Mr Geenty, when he was assistant chief constable, withheld information and misled the complainants.

Wiltshire and Swindon Police and Crime Commissioner Mr Macpherson said on Friday that the IPCC had delivered its report to him and that had identified that he had a "potential case to answer for misconduct".

He said he would go through the 140-page report to see if he agreed but added: "It is not my intention to prevent Mr Geenty from retiring.

"There is no legal ground to do so, nor do I believe it is in the public interest to suspend him.

"The finding by the IPCC is of potential misconduct, not gross misconduct. He has reaffirmed that he will respond to any issues that arise if it is considered that there is a case to answer."

The two other officers, who had been suspended, have had their suspensions lifted "in light of the IPCC finding of potential misconduct for both officers, not gross misconduct," Mr Macpherson said.

Retired police officers cannot face a disciplinary panel, the IPCC said.