Police boss would've been sacked if he hadn't quit

A top manager with Gwent Police facing sexual misconduct allegations from female colleagues has been found guilty of gross misconduct.

A panel found David Broadway, former head of criminal justice, would have been sacked if he had not resigned two weeks before the hearing.

Gwent Chief Constable Pam Kelly paid tribute to the courage of the victims and said there was "no place in the force for unacceptable behaviour".

BBC Wales has made repeated attempts to contact Mr Broadway, who has the right to appeal.

One of the women told the panel her life had been "changed forever" by Mr Broadway's behaviour.

Last month, BBC Wales reported concerns Mr Broadway had been allowed to keep working following an allegation of sexual misconduct.

Mr Broadway was not a police officer, but as head of the criminal justice department, he was one of the most senior civilian managers in the force and would have earned about £80,000 a year.

A disciplinary panel ruled claims of sexual misconduct by three women were proven and that they amounted to gross misconduct.

Gwent Police said in a statement: "The hearing chair found the former staff member would have been dismissed had he not resigned from his position ahead of the hearing."

Mr Broadway’s name will now be added to a "barred list" held by the College of Policing.

This includes police officers and staff who are dismissed or resign before a disciplinary hearing, and who are then prohibited from working for other police forces, police and crime commissioners, or police watchdog or inspection bodies.

Gwent Police has found itself under intense scrutiny in recent years over complaints about officers' conduct and, in March 2024, the IOPC announced two serving officers and one former officer would face gross misconduct hearings.

The woman who initially complained came forward after seeing David Broadway lead a training session on staff conduct following the murder of Sarah Everard.

It was one of a series of seminars held by the force which, like others, found itself trying to deal with an erosion of trust in policing caused by the murder.

The woman said it "smacked of double standards", as she said Mr Broadway had sent scores of unwanted sexual messages to her over many months.

Nine months after she came forward, another woman made allegations, at which point Mr Broadway was suspended on full pay.

A third woman came forward later.

In her victim impact statement given to the disciplinary panel, the first woman said the stress caused by David Broadway’s behaviour had been “unbearable”.

"I still haven’t recovered from the effect and impact of his behaviour towards me and still have to take medication. 

"I am scarred by this harassment and I don’t know when or if I ever will fully recover from this ordeal."

"My life has been changed forever as a result of his behaviour."

Mr Broadway, 51, had worked for Gwent Police for nearly 30 years and was promoted to head of criminal justice in 2018 - his remit including victim services.

BBC Wales understands Gwent Police will hold an independent review of Mr Broadway’s employment history with the force.

The force said the review would begin "in due course" following an appeal period.

BBC Wales has made repeated attempts to contact Mr Broadway for comment, but he has not responded.

Chief Constable Kelly, who will retire later this year, said: "We firmly stand against any unacceptable behaviour towards colleagues or members of the public.

"I would like to pay tribute to the individuals who came forward. Their courage in speaking out has allowed us to take this action.

"Both our communities and our staff deserve the highest of standards from all in our organisation."

Ms Kelly added "a significant amount of work" had gone into ensuring staff felt able to report concerns and to support them in doing this.