Senior Detective Faces Misconduct Hearing over Handling of Assault Allegation
A senior detective from Thames Valley Police is currently facing a misconduct hearing after allegedly advising a sexual assault victim to sleep on her allegation. Former DCI James Senior, who was in charge of the Project Vigilant scheme aimed at tackling violence against women and girls, is accused of failing to perform his duties by not reporting the claims.
The alleged sexual assault took place at a party hosted by Senior at his own home. The victim claimed that Senior’s friend, Sgt Anish Sharma from the Metropolitan Police, exposed himself to her and touched her leg. However, Sharma declined to participate in the disciplinary hearing.
Members of the panel, currently convened at Thames Valley Police HQ in Kidlington, were shocked by the alleged response that Senior gave to the victim. He reportedly told her to sleep on her allegation and added, We all have careers. These statements are particularly concerning given that Senior was leading Project Vigilant, which aimed to address violence against women and girls.
Project Vigilant was launched in Oxford as a local effort to prevent sexual violence, especially targeting predatory behavior against intoxicated women in the night-time economy. Therefore, the accusations against Senior conflict with the very mission he was responsible for.
Gerard Boyle KC, representing Thames Valley Police, raised the question of how the public would perceive such a response from a senior officer, especially one who claims to specialize in combating violence against women and girls.
The misconduct hearing against Senior will determine whether he failed in his duty and responsibilities as a police officer by not reporting the allegations. The case has shown the importance of holding law enforcement personnel accountable for their actions, particularly when entrusted with the safety and protection of vulnerable individuals.
It remains to be seen how the hearing will unfold and what consequences may result from the allegations against Senior. The case highlights the significance of supporting and believing survivors of sexual assault, as well as the need for law enforcement agencies to take swift and appropriate action when such allegations are made.
Overall, this incident serves as a reminder that even those responsible for addressing violence against women and girls can face allegations and must be held accountable for their actions. The outcome of the misconduct hearing will determine the next steps in ensuring justice and maintaining public trust in law enforcement agencies.
