Police boss committed gross misconduct by making sexual comment to hero cop's widow

John Apter, the former chairman of the Police Federation of England and Wales, has been found to have committed gross misconduct by making a sexual comment about a police widow

John Apter, the former chairman of the Police Federation of England and Wales, has been found to have committed gross misconduct by making a sexual comment about the widow of an officer killed in the line of duty.

Hampshire Constabulary disciplinary tribunal heard Apter was accused of making the 'sickening' and 'sexually suggestive' remark about Lissie Harper in 2020 after the death of her husband PC Andrew Harper. PC Harper, a 28-year-old officer with Thames Valley Police, was killed in 2019 when a getaway car dragged him to his death. The tragedy unfolded four weeks after the pair married.

While organising a visit from Mrs Harper to collect a posthumous award on behalf of her husband, PC Apter told colleagues "I'd like to comfort her in my hotel room". The hearing heard how the then-chief of the Police Federation was also heard saying "I wouldn't mind looking after her tonight."

Now-retired PC Apter, who enjoyed a 30-year career in policing, was chairman of the Police Federation of England and Wales from 2018 to 2021. The association represents the interests of over 130,000 rank-and-file officers.

Barrister Cecily White, representing Hampshire Constabulary, said there was a 'pattern' to PC Apter's behaviour, which she said was 'sexist and derogatory'. She added: "There are significant similarities between the allegations different people have made from different perspectives which show an unfortunate attitude towards women in the workplace."

Detailing one allegation, Ms White said: "It was about the widow of PC Andrew Harper, who was killed in the line of duty. His widow, Lissie Harper, was due to attend an awards ceremony to accept a posthumous award on behalf of her husband.

"In the context of a discussion about her attending the event, which would have been quite stressful for her, he said 'I'd like to comfort her in my hotel room', with an obvious sexual connotation."

Hampshire Constabulary disciplinary tribunal's legally qualified chair Giles Pengelly said of John Apter's conduct: "We find the comment made about Lissie Harper proved and is proved to the level of gross misconduct."

The panel cleared Mr Apter of a second allegation that he said in early 2019 to a pregnant Police Federation colleague: "Maybe you'll get a bum now." He was also cleared of an allegation he had touched the bottom of a woman, referred to as Female A, at a restaurant while visiting London for the National Police Bravery Awards in December 2021 before asking her: "Is that okay?"

Mr Apter had denied the three allegations, which followed an investigation ordered by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), and had told the tribunal he "absolutely" had not made the comments. He told the hearing he had "challenged" inappropriate behaviour by police officers and stood by his public comments about misogyny.

The hearing was adjourned for the panel to consider its sanction against Mr Apter.