Police inquiry: Abuse and bullying claims

Gwent Police is investigating claims against officers

Three police officers suspended amid claims of colleagues being bullied and of handcuffed prisoners being punched are under investigation by Gwent Police.

An inquiry is being held into allegations that Pc Kenny Waters and a civilian trainer, Alan Rockliffe, had intimidated officers during training.

Separate allegations over the mistreatment of prisoners have been made against Pc Mike Hammond and Sergeant Peter Whitefoot, who are both based at Risca.

Disciplinary charges

A police spokeswoman confirmed that the investigation involving Pc Hammond and Sgt Whitefoot centred on allegations that prisoners were punched while they were in handcuffs.

All four men were suspended from duty.

But Gwent Police confirmed that Pc Waters had now returned to work at Cwmbran police station.

If the men are found guilty of disciplinary charges, they could be demoted or sacked from the force, or face criminal charges.

'Sexual favours'

On Monday, a trainee officer with Gwent Police was suspended following allegations he had asked for sexual favours from a woman driver in return for letting her off a speeding ticket.

The unnamed probationary officer was suspended after the woman complained to his superiors that he had approached her a second time in the hope of having sex with her again.

The Gwent Police spokeswoman said yesterday: "She said he gave her the choice of sexual favours or taking her into the station.

"She opted for the sexual favours.

"She was allegedly stopped again shortly after and this time refused and filed a complaint."