PC accused of letting suspect drink alcohol

A police officer who allegedly let a suspect drink alcohol while they were under arrest is to face a misconduct hearing.

PC Sean Clayton-Chance, of Thames Valley Police, is accused of breaches relating to his conduct during an arrest in August 2024.

The officer, who is based in Oxfordshire, is accused of angling his body-worn video camera away from the suspect while an alcoholic drink was poured and consumed.

He is also accused of writing a note out of sight of the camera and showing it to the suspect after the arrest, encouraging them to "get rid" of anything they should not have on them.

According to the allegations, the officer had no adequate reason to avoid recording on his body-worn video during the arrest, which was related to a theft.

The hearing will also consider a separate claim that he made an inappropriate comment about a female member of the public while sitting at traffic lights.

The misconduct hearing is due to begin on 11 May at Thames Valley Police headquarters in Kidlington and is scheduled to last three days.

It will be chaired by Deputy Chief Constable Paul Mills.

It is alleged the officer breached standards including honesty and integrity, duties and responsibilities, and discreditable conduct.

If proven, the allegations could amount to gross misconduct, which can result in dismissal.

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