PC sacked for slapping WPC"s bottom after Harry and Meghan"s wedding - Express
Former PC Clinton Geldard spanked the young officer as she bent over during the clear-up operation in Windsor last May, a disciplinary hearing was told. The married ex-soldier later prodded her backside with a petrol cap as they refuelled their patrol car at a service station. Geldard, who was supposed to be mentoring the rookie, was also said to have made vile sexual comments to her, including: "I will destroy you."
The panel heard the Thames Valley officer had a "propensity to touch colleagues without consent" and also poked a male colleague"s bottom while in the Reading operations room.
Geldard resigned after disciplinary proceedings were launched weeks after the Royal Wedding and now works as a masseur.
Yesterday, he was found guilty of gross misconduct in his absence and formally dismissed.
Mark Thomas, representing Thames Valley Police, said: "He has declined the opportunity to register a response to the allegations. It does not mean that he"s admitted the allegations.
"There is evidence from reliable witnesses in relation to each and every allegation. In the absence of the former officer contesting that evidence, it should be found to be reliable."
Panel chairman Muzamil Khan read out the charges against the ex-constable during the hearing at the force"s HQ in Kidlington, Oxfordshire.
He said Geldard slapped the bottom of the woman officer, referred to as officer B, during the clean-up operation after the Royal Wedding on May 19 and made "numerous rude, sexually suggestive comments".
"These comments insulted her and made her feel uncomfortable," Mr Khan said.
The previous month, he poked the male officer"s behind in the Reading ops room. When questioned, Geldard denied touching either colleague. He admitted he had made comments of a sexual nature to officer B but claimed it was simply "military-type banter", said Mr Khan. "In relation to officer B, he suggested his comments were reciprocated," he added.
But he said: "The evidence of the complainants is internally and externally consistent. We find the allegations proven.
"Despite being challenged, former PC Geldard continued with his behaviour.
"We are satisfied that former PC Geldard"s behaviour amounts to gross misconduct and, because it is so serious, dismissal would be justified.
"We make a formal finding that former PC Geldard is dismissed from the force without notice and he would have been dismissed if he had not resigned."
Geldard joined the police in December 2007 after serving as a combat medical technician with the Army"s 16 Medical Regiment.
He now works as a £60-an-hour sports massage and myofascial release therapist. On his online personal therapy page, Geldard describes myofascial release as a gentle, hands-on treatment.
Speaking at their home in Reading, his wife Sophie said her husband was aware of the misconduct hearing but declined to comment.
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