Dorset Police officer denies talking about sex with colleague

The serving Dorset Police officer is facing a misconduct panel after allegations that he and others played snog marry avoid about colleagues on a work trip.

The officer, who cannot be named due to reporting restrictions, was returning from a work-related meeting in London via train on April 13, 2022.

The panel heard that mid to late afternoon, the group of eight police staff, made their way on foot to London Waterloo station, stopping at a number of pubs on route.

It was then said that members of the group bought bottles of wine to bring on the train at 8.30pm.

The accused officer said the group did not know when the meetings would end so decided to socialise, drink and have something to eat before their train.

He told the panel on June 19 that he had one pint in each place and does not remember anyone else being overly drunk.

He added that it was a chance to “get to know people individually rather than in a work environment”.

Witnesses said the group were shouting on the train, surrounded by members of the public.

However, the officer said he was not aware of any raised voices and does not recall any conversations that would have made the public aware they were part of the police force.

When asked if he was having “banter” with his colleagues, he said he would describe it as “exploring common interests”.

He added if a conversation about a colleague became personal then he would “absolutely” deem it inappropriate.

His legal representative, George Thomas, asked if the officer would be concerned about being a “kill joy” if stopping an inappropriate conversation, but he said he would have handled it discreetly.

Mr Thomas added the officer is alleged to have heard the conversation and laughed at it.

The officer said he would not have had laughed at the comment because he would see that as “supporting the conversation”.

“I would have stopped that conversation if was aware of it,” he said.

The misconduct hearing continues.