A long-serving police officer who was sacked after he touched a colleague’s bottom and then slapped her at a work Christmas party wants his job back.
Ex-PC James McCall was dismissed from Avon and Somerset Police in November over conduct described as inappropriate and “completely inexcusable”.
The misconduct panel heard he had been reluctant to go to the event but was persuaded and had been drinking before he arrived at the party at Sheppy’s House of Cider in Taunton.
Barrister George Thomas said the former officer, who had mental health problems and was nearing retirement, found social events difficult and, despite an “anxious” start, began buying drinks and tried to be “the life and soul of the party”.
He ordered 15 shots of Sambuca for members of a female choir having a separate Christmas party downstairs, and called a male officer a “c**t” in front of two of the women.
The abused officer reported Mr McCall’s conduct that night, which included abusing two junior officers and touching the bottom of a staff member at the venue.
The panel was told Mr MrCall touched a young female officer’s bottom, and later slapped so hard on her arms she was left with a red mark.
Members heard earlier that year, while off duty, Mr McCall had abused two on-duty PCSOs in Taunton. He had called them “f***ers” loud enough for passersby to hear and raised two fingers in an insulting gesture outside Starbucks.
Mr McCall, who had received a series of commendations throughout his career, did not attend the misconduct hearing or respond to the allegations.
The panel found he had breached standards of authority, respect and courtesy, conduct, and duties and responsibilities and dismissed him without notice.
Mr McCall is taking the decision to an appeals tribunal, which will be held virtually on July 16.
