Start of deputy chief constable's disciplinary hearing delayed by legal argument (From Darlington and Stockton Times)

Start of disciplinary hearing for suspended deputy chief constable of Cleveland Police delayed by legal argument

5:02pm Monday 4th March 2013 in News By Graeme Hetherington

THE first day of a disciplinary hearing into the gross misconduct of the suspended deputy chief constable of Cleveland Police has been taken up by legal argument.

Derek Bonnard faces a three-week disciplinary hearing that relates to seven allegations of gross misconduct following an inquiry by the Independent Police Complaints Commission.

Mr Bonnard was arrested along with the force's former chief constable Sean Price, in August 2011.

Mr Price was sacked after he was found guilty of gross misconduct at a separate hearing.

He remains on bail as Operation Sacristy - a wide-ranging investigation into alleged corruption at Cleveland Police - continues.

Mr Bonnard has been released from bail and told he will not face criminal charges.

He remains suspended from duty.