A SURREY Police inspector retired days before he was dismissed last week, after a misconduct panel upheld six allegations of gross sexual misconduct.

Andy Grand, 52, who as a control room inspector, worked at the force’s Mount Browne headquarters, in Guildford, was suspended in May after allegations were made against him.

Mr Grand retired on Monday last week, four days before a police misconduct panel found he had a ‘case to answer’ on six claims of gross misconduct, including touching women’s bottoms and having sex while on duty on at least five occasions, plus three claims of misconduct, including stroking the leg of a female colleague in a sexual manner in the presence of other members of staff.

Mr Grand, who joined the force in 1991, did not appear at the hearing, where his behaviour was described as ‘predatory, exploitative and targeted at subordinate colleagues’.

He was added to the police barred list, which means he will not be able to find another position with another force – but he will keep his £40,000 a year pension.

Last month’s hearing at Caterham Police Station, was one of the first to take place since national policy was changed to allow misconduct hearings to take place if an officer leaves a force, in December 2017.

Sgt Paul Campbell, representing Mr Grand, said he denied gross misconduct and engaging in sexual activity while on duty.

Amy Clarke, representing Surrey Police, said:“Quite frankly the public ought to expect better not only of any police officer – but particularly a police officer in that position holding that rank.”

In a statement issued by Surrey Police, Deputy Chief Constable Gavin Stephens said Mr Grand had fallen ‘woefully below’ what was expected.

He said: “I would like to reassure the public that these matters, reported directly to our Professional Standards Department, were dealt with robustly and quickly. I want to further reassure our communities his actions are not indicative of policing, or the high standards we expect at Surrey Police, and sadly detracts from the dedication our workforce show day in, and day out, in serving the public.

“We are raising awareness within the force for all officers and staff regarding abuse of position of authority for a sexual purpose, and just this week we have been continuing this training with external partner agencies to safeguard vulnerable victims of crime from potential unwarranted advances.

“While these matters related to conduct in the workplace and did not involve any members of the public, it’s important to stress that if the public have concerns about the behaviour of officers or staff, they can report any information into our anti-corruption unit, which works to both investigate officers as well exonerate them, by calling 999 in an emergency, or emailing [email protected].”

Surrey Police and Crime Commissioner David Munro told The Herald this week: “The public rightly deserve and expect the highest standards of behaviour from Surrey Police officers and staff which the vast majority display on a daily basis.

“Sadly this individual has let his colleagues down with this disgraceful and completely unacceptable course of conduct.

“The behaviour exhibited has no place whatsoever in policing so I am pleased to see the force’s professional standards department take swift action in ensuring this matter was dealt with effectively.”