Officer 'didn't think of consequences' of text to colleague

A police superintendent nicknamed "the octopus" has told a misconduct hearing he "didn't think of the consequences" when texting a female colleague suggesting they run away together.

Dyfed-Powys Police 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.

Supt Davies admitted to being drunk on the evening of the party and "tactile while in drink", but disputed his conduct was of a sexual nature.

He denies his alleged actions amount to gross misconduct.

On Tuesday, Supt Davies was cross-examined by barrister Elliot Gold at the police headquarters in Llangunnor, Carmarthenshire.

He was questioned about a Christmas party in 2017 where he was described as "leery and smutty" and being "all over the place" by two claimants who alleged he had touched them inappropriately.

One woman previously said Supt Davies' hands "had gone around her waist" and he "pulled" her back towards him, making her feel uncomfortable.

Supt Davies told Mr Gold he could not remember the specifics of the party but accepted the allegations. However, he disputed the conduct was of a sexual nature.

He agreed to being drunk that evening and "tactile when in drink".

Supt Davies also described the nickname "the octopus" as "not complimentary" but said the female colleagues who used it were "honest members of police staff".

Supt Davies previously admitted sending texts to a female colleague asking her to run away with him and said he was inspired by Thelma and Louise, a 1991 American crime drama about two women on the run from the law.

On Tuesday the hearing was told that in a text a female colleague referred to herself as "too high maintenance," to which he responded: "A Porsche is high maintenance but still worth owning".

Supt Davies said the texts were a "jokey reference" and denied sending them "with a sexual intention", but accepted the female colleague did not find them funny.

"I just wasn't self-aware enough, I thought it was just a jokey remark.

"I didn't think of the consequences," Supt Davies added.

He was also questioned on an allegation he commented on a female colleague's hair in a meeting, causing her to feel "embarrassed".

Supt Davies said this was "intended as a compliment" and "did not relate to her ability as an individual".

Mr Gold asked Supt Davies: "If I was to say to you now that I found you attractive, you would find that disconcerting?", to which he responded: "Yes I would find it strange that you would remark on my physical appearance."

Supt Davies added he did not think of it as sexist behaviour but understood it "potentially could be seen like that".

He also strongly denied saying he wanted to "put his face between a colleague's breasts" and "shake his head and face", and said the claimant who made the allegation was "honestly mistaken".

Questioned on allegations that some female colleagues felt excluded from work conversations, Supt Davies told the hearing: "That was not my perception about their involvement."

Supt Davies added he "doesn't accept" allegations that female colleagues "were left outside the circle of trust" and were made to feel like "typing pool girls".

The panel heard allegations Mr Davies referred to a colleague as "the sexy one" and that Supt Davies was overheard talking about the "shapely figures" of female staff.

On Tuesday, the officer accepted he "made inappropriate comments from time to time".

Asked about allegations he compared female colleagues to luxury cars such as Rolls Royce, Supt Davies told the panel this was based on "quality and reliability", adding "I don't see a Rolls Royce car as something sexual".

On Monday, Supt Davies 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.

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.

If the allegations against Supt Davies are proved, it would amount to a breach of professional standards.

The hearing continues.