Following a public misconduct hearing that concluded on March 23rd, West Mercia Police Inspector Tim Bower has received a final written warning.

The hearing was conducted by Mr Harry Ireland, an independent legally qualified chair, and follows a professional standards investigation that commenced after allegations the officer had discharged a CS spray into the face of a man at less than the recommended safe operating distance of one metre during an incident in Ross-on-Wye on May 18th, 2013. This allegation was dismissed after it was found not proven during the hearing.

It was also alleged that Inspector Bower had struck the man on the back of his head without reasonable excuse or lawful authority while the man was handcuffed and being escorted to a police van for transport to custody. This allegation was proved and amounted to gross misconduct for which the Inspector received a final written warning.

The officer who has completed 18 years’ service with West Mercia Police, most recently based at Hindlip in Worcestershire, is currently on a career break.

Detective Superintendent Gary Watson, Head of Professional Standards for West Mercia Police, said: "The hearing found that the behaviour of Inspector Bower fell below the standards we expect from our officers and staff and amounted to a breach of the standards of professional behaviour, namely authority, respect and courtesy and use of force. This fell outside the expectations made clear in our code of ethics and it is for this reason he was given a final written warning today."

The outcome of the misconduct hearing is subject to the normal appeals process.