The chief constable of Cheshire Police will face a gross misconduct hearing after being accused of “angry outbursts and aggressive attacks” on staff.
Chief Constable Simon Byrne was suspended from the force last August pending the conclusion of the hearing.
Details of the hearing and the charges against Mr Byrne were published on the website of Cheshire Police and Crime Commissioner David Keane on Wednesday.
Warrington Town Hall, where Cheshire Police Chief Constable Simon Byrne will face a gross misconduct hearing (Dave Thompson/PA)
He is accused of breaching standards of professional behaviour in respect of authority, respect and courtesy and discreditable conduct between May 2014 and March 2017.
Information on the allegations which was published online said: “You lacked self-control and exhibited volatile, unpredictable and offensive behaviour.
“You displayed a short temper and a lack of tolerance and engaged in angry outbursts and aggressive attacks upon subordinate staff which created an intimidating, hostile and humiliating environment for staff in the ACPO office and which you knew or ought to have known would cause distress and anxiety to members of Cheshire Constabulary.”
Staff alleged Mr Byrne displayed “bullying” and “humiliating” behaviour towards them.
He is also accused of displaying “daily mood swings” for a fortnight after his application for the post of chief constable of Greater Manchester Police was rejected in 2015.
Mr Byrne is alleged to have missed a number of scheduled appointments, including attending the National Police Bravery Awards and a Remembrance Day ceremony in London, without good reason.
The missed engagements are said to have represented a “significant outlay” for Cheshire Police.
Speaking at the time of Mr Byrne’s suspension, Mr Keane said: “”Following allegations made in late 2016 against Chief Constable Simon Byrne and following advice from the IPCC, a local investigation conducted by an external police force has been under way in accordance with the statutory police conduct regime.
“Following receipt of the investigation report, and having carefully considered the evidence, I have determined that there is a case to answer for gross misconduct with regards to authority, respect and courtesy and discreditable conduct.”
A two-week misconduct hearing will begin at Warrington Town Hall on April 16.