Suspended chief constable will not face prosecution over allegations

Former PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Will Kerr will not be prosecuted over allegations of sexual offences and misconduct.

Mr Kerr had been suspended as Chief Constable of Devon and Cornwall Police in 2023 after it emerged he was under investigation.

At the time he strenuously denied any allegations of criminality.

Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon and Cornwall Alison Hernandez said today (Thursday) the Independent Office for Police Conduct would now be resuming its investigation into allegations of misconduct against Mr Kerr.

He will remain suspended until the outcome of this investigation.

Mr Kerr had been the subject of an investigation by the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland and the IOPC.

The Ombudsman's case was then passed to the Public Prosecution Service.

However, the PPS confirmed today that a decision had been taken not to prosecute.

It said a team of prosecutors had considered the case, assisted by advice from independent senior counsel.

A PPS spokeswoman said: "We have carefully considered all the evidence submitted by the Police Ombudsman's Office in connection with this complex case.

"The standard of proof needed for a criminal prosecution is high.

"In order to prosecute, the evidence must be sufficient to provide a reasonable prospect of conviction.

"In this case, the available evidence did not reach this threshold.

"All relevant parties have been informed of the decision by the PPS, with assurance that the decision was taken only after a most careful examination of all the evidence and information available."

Mr Kerr had worked for the PSNI for 27 years, later joining Police Scotland before he joined Devon and Cornwall Police in December 2022.

A spokesperson for the Police Ombudsman said: "The Police Ombudsman submitted a substantial file to the PPS, following a significant investigation into allegations of a serious criminal nature.

"Having considered the evidence, PPS has made a decision not to prosecute. The Police Ombudsman awaits the detailed reasoning which informed the decision, and will give it careful consideration.

"The Police Ombudsman remains in contact with the Independent Office for Police Conduct relating to those criminal allegations."

Meanwhile, Devon and Cornwall Police is currently being led by interim Chief Constable James Vaughan.

Ms Hernandez said: "I am delighted to hear that Mr Kerr is no longer under criminal investigation.

"This will be a significant relief to Mr Kerr and his family. It is disappointing that it has taken nearly two years to get to this decision.

"While this is a major milestone, we await further instructions from the Independent Office for Police Conduct on any potential misconduct matters which may still need their oversight.

"The leadership of Devon and Cornwall Police remains under the stewardship of Mr Vaughan until any outstanding matters are concluded."