UPDATED: DETECTIVE AND SPECIAL CONSTABLE INVESTIGATED OVER ‘DRUNKEN’ INCIDENT IN COWES

A Detective Constable and a Special Constable from Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary have been investigated over an alleged drunken incident at a pub in Cowes. DC Elizabeth Fitzsimmons’ and Special Constable Simon Banks’ conduct was alleged to have breached the standards of professional behaviour expected by serving officers. A misconduct hearing was listed to get underway in Eastleigh, Southampton tomorrow (Tuesday), detailing the incident that occurred during Cowes Week. It’s alleged that whilst at a pub in Cowes, SC Banks and trainee DC Fitzsimmons – who were both off-duty at the time – were asked to leave the venue by the security staff who assessed them as being drunk. The Special Constable allegedly displayed his warrant card, verbally and physically remonstrating with the door staff. Once expelled it is claimed the pair immediately re-entered the premises whereupon they further remonstrated with security staff before being removed for a 2nd time. However, the hearing has now been cancelled.. Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary has confirmed that the public hearing has been pulled as the incident is no longer being treated as a matter of gross misconduct. The matter is expected to be dealt with internally. In the past 2 years alone there have been a total of 18 misconduct hearings carried out by Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary.