Former Detective to Undergo New Misconduct Hearing

A new misconduct hearing is scheduled for a former police officer who posted intimate images of a woman on social media without her consent, following the emergence of additional evidence. Simon Sewell, who was a detective constable in the Kirklees region when the offence occurred, has since resigned from the West Yorkshire Police force. Mr. Sewell asserted that the woman in the photographs was unidentifiable, an assertion that she challenged during a misconduct hearing concerning him earlier this week. A spokesperson for West Yorkshire Police stated that another hearing would be convened “in due course.” Mr. Sewell, who was absent from the hearing, has acknowledged committing 12 offences that violated police conduct standards between June 2020 and May 2023. These infractions encompass sharing images of crime scenes, making derogatory remarks regarding the statement of a woman alleging rape, and accessing police records without legitimate authorization. He informed investigators that he was operating under coercion when these breaches occurred. West Yorkshire Police confirmed that Mr. Sewell has not faced any criminal charges concerning these breaches. The additional evidence pertinent to his case emerged during the panel’s deliberations. The spokesperson stated: “The panel have accepted that this new evidence should be considered as part of the case.” The spokesperson continued: “As a result, the panel have now recused themselves from the case and a new hearing will be arranged to hear all the evidence in full in due course.”