Officer dubbed 'the octopus' admits being 'tactile'
BBCA police superintendent nicknamed "the octopus" by female colleagues has admitted to a misconduct hearing that he was a "tactile person".
Dyfed-Powys Police's Supt Gary Davies is accused of gross misconduct, including allegations he touched two women at a staff Christmas party in 2017.
The 58-year-old from Bridgend faces further claims, up to 2021, that he referred to the appearance or sexuality of women, giving them nicknames like Ferrari, Rolls-Royce and Porsche.
He denies fostering or contributing to a "boys' club" atmosphere or acting in a discriminatory manner.
He also denies his alleged actions amount to gross misconduct.
Supt Davies told a panel at police headquarters in Llangunnor, Carmarthenshire, on Monday that he had “no knowledge” women claimants had dubbed him "the octopus".
They cannot be named for legal reasons, but told the panel last week he was known for being "tactile".
One said Supt Davies' hands "had gone around her waist" and he "pulled" her back towards him, making her feel uncomfortable.
Under questioning from his barrister, Gerard Boyle KC, he admitted he was a "tactile person" at that time.
He told the panel that he had "no sexual interest in those individuals" and expressed his apologies to the affected colleagues.
Supt Davies also said "no one raised concern" about his management or behaviour at the time.
In response to the allegation he compared women to luxury cars, he said, "I immediately thought 'Oh, I had compared [the claimant] to a Rolls Royce'".
He said he had "no-recollection" of making sexual comments about female colleagues.
Supt Davies admitted sending texts to a female colleague asking her to run away with him, saying he was inspired by Thelma and Louise, a 1991 American crime drama about two women on the run from the law.
He told the panel he wanted to be a police officer "from a young age", joining the force in 2002 and getting promoted to superintendent in 2019.
He said he was "devastated" to be served misconduct papers in 2022, causing him to become "emotionally unstable" and leading to the breakdown of his marriage.
In response to Mr Boyle, Supt Davies said he had undergone therapy to deal with his anxiety.
"I needed to re-evaluate myself and the decisions I'd made", he told the panel.
The hearing continues.