Hearing to be arranged after CPS decides not to prosecute sexual assault allegations

The former chair of the Police Federation John Apter will face gross misconduct proceedings over allegations about his behaviour in late 2021.

John Apter, who is now retired, but headed up the Fed for three and a half years, was suspended in December 2021 amid accusations over his conduct on four occasions late that year including at a bravery awards ceremony.

Earlier in the year he had announced that he would be standing down from the role and not seeking re-election. He retired at the rank of inspector.

He was being investigated over two potential criminal allegations of sexual assault but prosecutors found evidence provided by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) did not meet the level for a prosecution.

A spokesman for the IOPC said on Wednesday: “We completed our investigation in June 2022 into allegations relating to the conduct of a now retired Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary police officer.

“We referred a file of evidence to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) to consider two counts of sexual assault contrary to section 3 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003.

“We were notified this week that the CPS, having reviewed the evidence, has decided it did not meet the threshold for prosecution.

“We have notified the parties involved.

“We also found an indication of gross misconduct for potential breaches of the police professional standards of behaviour relating to authority, respect and courtesy; equality and diversity; and conduct.

“We will now liaise with the force as it arranges a misconduct hearing.”