Former Leicestershire Officer Barred Following Conviction for Assaulting Woman

Former Leicestershire Officer Barred Following Conviction for Assaulting Woman

A former Leicestershire police officer has been formally barred from the profession following a gross misconduct ruling triggered by a criminal conviction. The accelerated misconduct hearing, held on 21 April 2026, concluded that former PC 530 Cameron Graham would have been dismissed without notice had he not already left the force.

The proceedings followed Graham’s appearance at Leicester Crown Court on 12 January 2026, where he pleaded guilty to an offence of assault. The court heard that the incident took place at a nightclub in July 2022, during which Graham assaulted a woman by placing his hands on her body. The hearing determined that this act constituted an unwanted and serious invasion of the victim's personal space, carrying an adverse impact significant enough to cross the threshold into criminal behaviour.

The conduct was found to be a severe breach of the professional standards regarding Discreditable Conduct. Assistant Chief Constable James Avery, presiding over the hearing, noted that Graham did not attend the proceedings.

In evaluating the severity of the incident, the hearing assessed both culpability and harm as "high". Although the assault did not result in physical injury, the ruling emphasised that violence against women carries a profound risk of psychological harm. Under national policing guidance, such behavior is classified as "particularly serious" and is considered conduct likely to terminate a police career.

The ruling offered little in the way of mitigation, focusing instead on the gravity of the officer’s actions. ACC Avery underscored the necessity of maintaining the public's faith in the police service, which operates by public consent.

"There can be no place in the Police Service for men who harm women," Avery stated, concluding that the only way to preserve public confidence was to declare that dismissal would have been the mandatory outcome.

As a result of the finding of Gross Misconduct, Graham’s details will be added to the police barred list, effectively preventing him from serving in any UK police force in the future. Graham maintains a right of appeal against the decision, which must be submitted to the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner within ten working days.

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Former Leicestershire Officer Barred Following "Appalled" Misconduct Ruling, after proactively arranged for sexual services and took practical steps to meet at an agreed location.

Former Leicestershire Officer Barred Following "Appalled" Misconduct Ruling

A former police officer has been formally barred from the profession after an accelerated misconduct hearing determined he would have been dismissed without notice for seeking sexual services. The hearing, held on 21 April 2026, focused on the actions of former PC 129 Noel Chambers of the Leicestershire Police AIU.

The misconduct proceedings centered on evidence that Chambers proactively arranged for sexual services and took practical steps to meet at an agreed location. Temporary Chief Constable David Sandall, who presided over the hearing, found the facts proved on the balance of probabilities, noting that the former officer’s actions were both planned and repeated.

In assessing the officer's culpability, the hearing determined it to be "high". The decision noted that Chambers was solely responsible for his conduct and had multiple opportunities to reflect on his actions and stop. The ruling emphasised that police training is explicit regarding acceptable standards of behavior and that there was "no conceivable excuse" for the officer's proactive communication and subsequent actions.

The hearing further found that Chambers’ conduct breached the professional standards of "Discreditable Conduct," citing the severe damage such behavior does to the reputation of the police service. A central theme of the ruling was the inherent vulnerability and exploitation present in the sex trade, as recognized by National Police Guidance.

"I suspect that the public would be appalled by the conduct," T/CC Sandall stated, assessing both actual and potential harm as high. The ruling argued that the officer’s behavior had a significant adverse effect on his standing, particularly given his role in a profession that should protect the vulnerable. Furthermore, while Chambers was not convicted of a crime, the hearing assessed his actions as criminal conduct, which served as an aggravating factor.

Although Chambers had already resigned from the force and admitted to misconduct in public office, the hearing was required to determine what the outcome would have been had he still been serving. T/CC Sandall noted that while admissions are credited, the evidence against the former officer was "overwhelming".

The hearing found a lack of sincere regret or understanding from Chambers, who instead offered justifications based on his own personal vulnerabilities arguments the Chief Constable found did not justify his actions.

Ultimately, the hearing concluded that the only appropriate outcome to protect public confidence and maintain professional standards was dismissal without notice. Consequently, Chambers has been added to the Police Barred List, preventing him from serving as a police officer in the future.

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Former Inspector Carl Mee Found Guilty of Gross Misconduct Following Domestic Violence Order

Former Inspector Carl Mee Found Guilty of Gross Misconduct Following Domestic Violence Order

"While the hearing took place in July 2025, the matter can only now be reported after the court lifted restrictions that had previously prohibited the publication of the officer’s identity and the details of ongoing proceedings."

A former high-ranking officer with Leicestershire Police, Inspector Carl Mee, has been found guilty of gross misconduct following an accelerated hearing chaired by Chief Constable Steven Cooper. The ruling concluded that the former inspector’s conduct was so severe that he would have been dismissed without notice had he not already retired from the force.

The proceedings, held on July 3, 2025, centered on a Domestic Violence Protection Order (DVPO) issued against Mee by the Leicester Magistrates’ Court. The court had previously found, on the balance of probabilities, that Mee had been violent or threatened violence toward an individual and that the order was a necessary measure to ensure their protection. While Mee did not attend the misconduct hearing, his representative argued that the order was a "procedural workaround" and contested the underlying allegations of violence.

In his determination, Chief Constable Cooper made it clear that the hearing was not intended to re-litigate the criminal facts but to assess the impact of such a court order on the reputation of the police service. He ruled that the mere existence of a DVPO against a serving officer constitutes "Discreditable Conduct." The Chief Constable noted that the public expects officers to uphold the law and protect the vulnerable; being the subject of a court order specifically designed to prevent domestic abuse fundamentally undermines that trust.

The assessment of the case categorized the harm to public confidence as "high." Chief Constable Cooper emphasised that violence against women and girls is a matter of significant national concern and that the police must be beyond reproach in this area. As an Inspector, Mee held a leadership position that required him to serve as a role model, an aggravating factor that weighed heavily in the final decision. Mee’s defense, which characterized the court's decision as a "policing failure," was seen as a failure to recognize the significance of the court’s findings, further increasing his culpability.

Ultimately, the Chief Constable determined that no sanction other than dismissal would suffice to maintain public confidence. Because Mee had already retired in June 2025, the formal outcome was a declaration that he would have been dismissed had he remained in service. Consequently, his name will be added to the Police Barred List, ensuring he can never hold a position in law enforcement again.

"This is a very serious matter," Chief Constable Cooper stated, reinforcing that such conduct will not be tolerated within Leicestershire Police. The ruling serves as a stark reminder of the high standards of professional behavior expected of those who wear the uniform, regardless of their rank or length of service.

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For more local news, community updates, and what's on in the area, visit Oakham and Rutland News.

Luxury Brands at High-Street Prices, The Derby Thrifter Left Stunned by Oakham's "Punchy" Charity Shops

Luxury Brands at High-Street Prices, The Derby Thrifter Left Stunned by Oakham's "Punchy" Charity Shops

For most seasoned bargain hunters, the allure of a charity shop lies in the "adrenaline rush" of finding a hidden gem for a fraction of its original cost. However, for Lola Amuah, a Derby-based thrifter who recently showcased her skills on the BBC’s Shift the Thrift, a trip to the picturesque town of Oakham in Rutland delivered a different kind of shock. Instead of the usual modest prices, Lola found herself "floored" by a high-street establishment where the price tags felt more like a luxury boutique than a community fundraiser.

The visit, which Lola documented alongside her husband Pete, began with high expectations as the couple spotted Jimmy Choo and Gucci footwear displayed in the shop window. Once inside, the parade of designer names continued, with Lola quickly identifying a brand-new Lanvin scarf, tags still intact, priced at £18. This was followed by a pair of DKNY handbags that had been donated together, each carrying a £40 price tag a discovery that sparked a debate between the couple regarding the quality and "desirability" of the leather.

As they moved through the store, the prices only became more "punchy." A silk Burberry scarf sat secured inside a glass cabinet with a £70 price tag, resting beside a designer bracelet valued at £60. While these prices represent a significant discount from retail, they signal a growing trend in affluent market towns where charity shops are increasingly curating "gold label" sections that target a wealthier demographic

The most polarising moment of the trip, however, occurred in the bric-a-brac aisle. Lola picked up a nostalgic Andy Pandy mug, only to find it was priced at £10 and that was only after being marked down from £15. Pete noted that he had previously seen the same item for as little as 50p, highlighting a massive discrepancy in how different shops value nostalgia and vintage collectibles.

The reaction from the online community was swift and divided. While some argued that the high prices are a natural result of the affluent donations found in a town like Oakham, others were far more critical. One Instagram user labeled the pricing "ridiculous," suggesting that "rich towns" have become no-go zones for genuine bargain hunters. Another local resident chimed in to confirm that Oakham has earned a reputation for hosting "the most expensive charity shops" in the region.

Despite the sticker shock, Lola remains a staunch advocate for the secondhand movement. She maintains that thrifting is not just about the cost, but about sustainability and the unique thrill of finding items that are "super old or super rare." While the Oakham trip may have been an expensive lesson in regional price variations, Lola’s appreciation for the hunt remains intact, even if she left the £10 mug on the shelf.

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For more local news, community updates, and what's on in the area, visit Oakham and Rutland News.