Cleared police chief may face a disciplinary

By david farbrother david.farbrother@essnmedia.co.uk

A SENIOR police officer could face disciplinary proceedings despite being cleared of misconduct in a crown court.

Chief Superintendent Adrian Harper was acquitted by a jury after being accused of faking his diary to avoid a speeding fine.

Winchester Crown Court last week heard how Mr Harper, 45, was caught doing 53mph in a 40mph zone, but later altered his electronic diary by creating three "phantom meetings" and getting his speeding approved by his superior.

Lordship Judge Cutler directed the jury to return a not guilty verdict of misconduct in a public office.

Despite walking free from court on Friday, the divisional commander for East Surrey remains suspended from duty.

Surrey Police have also refused to rule out internal disciplinary proceedings.

When the Mirror approached him at his home on Downs Road, Epsom, he was tight-lipped, saying: "I prefer not to say anything at this time. Of course I'm delighted with the outcome of the case. That's it for now."

During the five-day trial, the jury were told how Mr Harper had activated a mobile speed camera while travelling along the A217 Brighton Road, Lower Kingswood, on the afternoon of September 15, 2008.

Mr Harper received a Notice of Intended Prosecution (NIP) a few days later, and applied to Assistant Chief Constable Ian Dyson for an exemption, the court heard.

He was charged along with West Surrey Superintendent Johnny Johncox, 47, who was found not guilty of misconduct in a public office on Monday, July 12, in a separate trial.

Mr Johncox, who had denied the charge, activated a mobile camera on the A246 Epsom Road, West Clandon, driving at 66mph in a 50mph speed limit. He received a Notice of Intended Prosecution and also submitted an exemption form.

Commenting on both cases, Assistant Chief Constable Jerry Kirkby, of Surrey Police, said: "It is the role of the police to uphold the law and investigate cases where it is believed a crime may have been committed.

"In this case, as a result of an internal review, we found potential wrongdoing by the officers and then referred the matter to the IPCC.

"Under IPCC direction we carried out an investigation, which was then referred to the CPS, who decided there was sufficient evidence to prosecute.

"Surrey Police will now consult with the IPCC regarding internal disciplinary proceedings.

"Chief Supt Harper and Supt Johncox will remain suspended from duty while this consultation takes place."

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