Former officer faces misconduct hearing over relationship with victim in Abingdon
A former Thames Valley Police constable allegedly began a sexual relationship with a victim in a case he was investigating, leading her to withdraw her complaint
A former police officer will face an accelerated misconduct hearing after allegedly starting a sexual relationship with a victim of crime while investigating her case in Abingdon.
The hearing for former Police Constable Ian Dring will take place by video conferencing at 3pm on Monday 14 July, in front of the Chief Constable of Thames Valley Police, Jason Hogg.
Former PC Dring was based at Abingdon Police Station before resigning from the force.
According to Thames Valley Police, it is alleged that in September 2022, while investigating a criminal offence, Dring began an emotional and sexual relationship with the victim. He later told her the relationship could not continue during the investigation, which resulted in the victim withdrawing her criminal allegation. The relationship then continued until March 2023.
The force said: “The Appropriate Authority alleges that if these allegations are proven, the conduct would amount to gross misconduct for which dismissal would have been justified had Former Police Constable Dring still been a serving member of Thames Valley Police.”
He is alleged to have breached the standards of professional behaviour in relation to honesty and integrity, authority, respect and courtesy, orders and instructions, and discreditable conduct.
The hearing will not be open for in-person attendance. Accredited members of the media may be allowed to observe via video link, subject to strict conditions and advance registration by midday on Thursday 10 July.