- David Broadway 'would have been fired' for misconduct had he not resigned
A police boss has been charged with sending unwanted sexualised messages after leading a conversation about staff behavior Sara EverardHis murder was stopped before he could be fired.
The employee said David Broadway's appearance at the event “smacked of double standards” because of his behavior towards her.
A disciplinary panel said the former head of justice at Gwent Police, earning an annual salary of £80,000, 'would have been sacked' for serious misconduct had he not resigned.
The 51-year-old sent dozens of “sexually suggestive” text messages commenting on the woman's “sexy” body and asking for sex, even though she told him she was in a relationship and asked him to stop.
She complained in August 2022 after discovering that Mr. Broadway was leading a seminar that included a discussion about inappropriate messages in the workplace.
A police boss who led a conversation about behavior after Sarah Everard's death was caught sending sex texts
The talk was part of a series delivered by Gwent Police as part of efforts to rebuild confidence in the force following the 2021 murder of Ms Everard by a Scotland Yard officer. Wayne Couzens.
In May 2023, a second woman came forward with complaints about Mr. Broadway, who was subsequently suspended with pay. Later, a third complainant came forward.
In a victim impact statement, the first woman said she had suffered 'unbearable' stress.
She said: 'I have still not recovered from the effect and impact of his behavior towards me and still have to take medication.
'I am scarred by this harassment and I don't know when or if I will ever fully recover.'
Gwent Police are reportedly conducting an independent review of Mr Broadway's 30-year employment history with the force, with his role reportedly including victim support.
A spokesperson for Gwent Police said: 'The hearing chair found that the former staff member would have been dismissed had he not resigned before the hearing.'
Outgoing Chief Constable Pam Kelly said: “I would like to pay tribute to those who have come forward. Their courage to speak out has allowed us to take this action.
“Both our communities and our employees deserve the highest standards from everyone in our organization.”
The allegations are the latest in a series of controversies in the troubled force.
Eleven current and former Gwent police officers were investigated over WhatsApp messages came to light after the death of retired officer Ricky Jones, who committed suicide in 2020.
Members of Mr Jones' family found the chats included horrific messages shared between officers 'which were homophobic, racist and misogynistic and exposed an entrenched, toxic culture within the force'.
David Broadway's speech was part of a series delivered by Gwent Police as part of efforts to rebuild confidence in the police following the 2021 murder of Ms Everard.
Three of the suspects are charged with gross negligence.
There have also been four serving officers accused of misconduct over the WhatsApp messages.
Two were given written warnings for failing to report the offensive messages, one was cleared of wrongdoing and a fourth officer was found to have broken rules on releasing information and also issued a warning.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct said cases against four other officers had been dropped or could not proceed because they had left the force.
Mr Broadway, who has the right to appeal, made no comment.
His name will be added to the College of Policing's 'excluded' list, which lists officers and staff who are dismissed or resign before a disciplinary hearing.
Such people are then blacklisted and banned from working for police and crime commissioners, armed forces, watchdogs or inspection bodies.