Result of appeal over sacked policeman awaited (From Swindon Advertiser)

Result of appeal over sacked Wiltshire policeman awaited

12:49pm Wednesday 24th October 2012 in News

WILTSHIRE Police took its appeal against reinstating a sacked police officer to the High Court on Friday.

Sgt Mark Andrews was jailed in September 2010 after a prisoner Pamela Somerville, 60, was injured at Melksham Police Station and he was sacked by the force.

CCTV footage showed him dragging her across the floor of the custody unit before shoving her into a cell.

But his conviction was quashed after six days in prison.

Wiltshire Police refused to allow him back to work, saying his behaviour was well below the standards expected. Last December, the Independent Police Appeals Tribunal ordered the force to reinstate Sgt Andrews to his £36,000-a-year job and award back pay.

Ms Somerville, of Colerne, was arrested for failing to provide a breath test after being found asleep in her car.

Charges against her were dropped.

Temporary Chief Superintendent Paul Mills said: “Wiltshire Police have sought Judicial Review of the Police Appeals Tribunal decision in 2011.

“The force seeks Judicial Review, to reinstate the findings of an independent police misconduct hearing that took place in 2010, that concluded Mr Andrew’s conduct was such that he should be dismissed from Wiltshire Police.

“The justice involved has retired to consider the application.

“Until such time the force receives the decision and considers further potential legal avenues of appeal, Mr Andrews will not be reinstated into Wiltshire Police.”