A GMP officer who had an affair with a woman he met on duty while dealing with her claims of domestic violence has kept his job. PC Dean Birkhead was today given a final written warning.
A disciplinary panel found that in two out of three standards of behaviour gross misconduct was proven. It found he breached standards in terms of honesty, and integrity; and authority, respect, and courtesy. Discreditable conduct was not proven.
But the chairman of the panel, Stephen Gowland, said it had concluded the woman was not vulnerable. Evidence from the woman herself and PC Birkhead's barrister, Ben Summers, showed she was "a powerful woman who knew her own mind." The officer and the woman are now in an "emotional and loving" relationship and are building a life together.
