Court clears two senior coppers of misconduct

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

TWO top cops remain suspended from duty despite having been cleared of misconduct by the 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 53 mph in a 40 mph zone, but later altered his electronic diary by creating three "phantom meetings" and getting his speeding approved by his superior.

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

Mr Harper was charged along with West Surrey Superintendent and Leatherhead resident Johnny Johncox, 47, who was found not guilty of misconduct in a public office in a separate trial on Monday, July 12. Despite being found not guilty, both officers remain suspended from duty.

A statement from Surrey Police said: "Surrey Police will now consult with the IPCC regarding internal disciplinary proceedings. Chief Superintendent Harper and Superintendent Johncox will remain suspended from duty while this consultation takes place."

After the case Mr Harper said: "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 Harper had activated a mobile speed camera while travelling along the A217 Brighton Road, Lower Kingswood, on September 15, 2008. Harper received a Notice of Intended Prosecution a few days later, and applied to Assistant Chief Constable Ian Dyson for an exemption, the court heard.

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 and referred the matter to the IPCC.

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