A Greater Manchester Police inspector will face a gross misconduct hearing over the arrest of a legal observer at the Barton Moss anti-fracking demonstrations in Salford.
Video was widely circulated in January 2014 of Inspector David Kehoe accusing Dr Steven Peers of drink-driving before arresting him at the IGas fracking testing site on Barton Moss Road.
Insp Kehoe is heard on the video saying he can smell alcohol on Dr Peers’ breath, before detaining him for failing to provide a specimen.
The video has been watched over 230,000 times on Youtube.
Dr Peers has repeatedly and forcefully denied the claim.
The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) was brought in to investigate the arrest and it has now ruled Insp Kehoe has a case to answer.
300 protesters at a Barton Moss rally in December 2013 – albert@itookyourpic.com
It cites the seizing of Dr Peers’ property and the circumstances of the arrest as contributing factors.
Video at Barton Moss uploaded by SalfordOnline.com community photographer Albert shows the police using controversial ‘pain compliance’ techniques when arresting protesters.
An internal investigation by GMP in June 2014 found Insp Kehoe had no case to answer.
But Dr Peers appealed and this was upheld by the complaints body.
Greater Manchester Police disagreed with the findings, but IPCC Deputy Chair Rachel Cerfontyne has directed that the five-day hearing will take place at GMP’s Force Headquarters in Newton Heath from 9.30am on Monday 17 October.
A statement on the GMP wesbite reads: “Inspector 8076 David Kehoe will answer allegations that his conduct amounts to a breach of the Standards of Professional Behaviour for Honesty and Integrity Respect and Courtesy Orders and Instructions and Discreditable Conduct contrary to the Police (Conduct) Regulations 2012.”
The process will be livestreamed to a public meeting at Heywood Police station but only 40 members of the public will be allowed in.
The number to call if you want to attend is: 0161 856 2910.
Main image: Youtube/Steve Spy
