Off-duty PCs sacked over drunken McDonald's fight

Two police constables who were drunk and "aggressive" at a McDonald's restaurant while off duty have been sacked.

A Northamptonshire Police misconduct panel heard Leanne Cowie and Charlotte Taylor were involved in an altercation while off-duty on 27 December 2021.

The incident reportedly began as a response to a racist act by a man in the restaurant, leading to PC Taylor punching him and PC Cowie attempting to restrain her colleague.

Following a hearing held between 27 and 29 January at Northamptonshire Police headquarters, the panel ruled the duo had committed serious gross misconduct and dismissal without notice was the only "appropriate outcome".

A McDonald's manager said the night in question was one of the most stressful shifts she had experienced.

Both officers had served with the force for about six years and were well regarded by colleagues, with no prior disciplinary issues.

The panel acknowledged mitigating factors, including that the officers initially responded appropriately and that PC Cowie was struck in the face by the man involved.

However, it was determined that they became "inappropriately argumentative" and "aggressive," and that PC Cowie had opportunities to de-escalate the situation but failed to do so.

"Public confidence cannot be maintained by retaining officers in the force who have acted in this manner," the panel stated.

One panel member added: "Officers should enforce the law and not involve themselves in disorder and use or attempt to use violence."

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