Top detective who worked on some of Britain's biggest murder cases is sacked for sexually harassing female colleagues

A top murder squad detective has been sacked for sexually harassing female colleagues.

Detective Chief Inspector Wayne Jones, who has worked on some of the country's biggest murder cases, was suspended after a married junior officer reported him to West Midlands Police bosses in January 2014.

The victim complained her life was made 'hell' with persistent sexually inappropriate comments after she rejected his advances between 2012 and 2013.

Her actions prompted three other female colleagues to come forward who also claimed DCI Jones had made repeated unwanted advances and lewd comments.

Force bosses launched an investigation and the complaints were upheld following a four-day hearing overseen by the force's Professional Standards Department.

DCI Jones was dismissed on May 22 for gross misconduct but it is understood he plans to appeal the decision and take the force to an employment tribunal.

Chief Inspector Darren Walsh, from West Midlands Police's Professional Standards Department, said: 'While our investigation uncovered evidence of sexual harassment, the officer's behaviour was not found to amount to a criminal offence.

'The vast majority of people who work for us treat one another with respect. However, this officer's behaviour clearly fell short of the standards expected of him.

'We hope his dismissal will reassure our employees and the wider public of our commitment to take action where evidence of wrongdoing is found.'

A spokesman for West Midlands Police said: 'An investigation by the force's Professional Standards Department was launched in January 2014 following complaints the former Chief Inspector had made inappropriate comments of a sexual nature towards four female colleagues between 2012 and 2013.

'The officer was suspended and the matter was referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission, who determined a local investigation should be conducted.

'Evidence from the investigation was then presented at the misconduct hearing - conducted by Assistant Chief Constable Garry Forsyth - which found the officer had breached the standards of professional behaviour expected of him.

'He was dismissed from the force with immediate effect.'

DCI Jones headed up the force's elite Serious Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) from June 2013 to the time of his suspension and has worked on more than 50 murder cases.

He joined the force in 1993. In addition to heading SOCU, the former DCI also led the force's Murder Investigation and Review Team from June 2012 to June 2013.

The role involved overseeing murder investigations ranging from domestic homicide to a terrorist-related killing, with responsibility for three teams across the force.

His profile lists his 'responsibilities and key achievements' as including 'training and recruitment of staff including coaching, guiding and mentoring within all levels of the business.'

He also states he guarantees 'high operational standards evident to the customers and so ensuring high public satisfaction.'

Original report here

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