THE detective who led the investigation into the disappearance of Sian O'Callaghan is to face a formal conduct hearing.

A report by the Independent Police Complaints Commission into the conduct of Detective Superintendent Steve Fulcher, found he has a case to answer for gross misconduct in relation to several breaches of PACE while interviewing Halliwell without a solicitor present or without having read him his rights and also for breaching the force’s media policy.

A statement from Wiltshire Police said: “We have reviewed the IPCC’s report and its recommendations. As a result, Wiltshire Police has taken the decision that Detective Superintendent Steve Fulcher will be required to attend a formal conduct hearing.

“This is a complex and emotive matter that involves a number of parties. We believe that it is important that this should be dealt with through the right process, fairly, independently and in an open and transparent manner.

“We are currently in the process of arranging the conduct hearing with an independent panel of senior officers from other forces so that due process can continue.

“Wiltshire Police are continuing to offer welfare support to D/Supt Fulcher throughout this on-going process.”