A former chief constable is facing a misconduct hearing for allegedly making "unwanted remarks of a sexual nature".

Mike Veale will face a hearing in Middlesbrough today (Monday), the Cleveland Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Steve Turner confirmed.

The alleged remarks date back to October and December 2018.

In a public notice of the misconduct hearing, the PCC’s office said: “It is alleged that Michael Veale, when chief constable of Cleveland Police, made unwanted remarks of a sexual nature in October and December 2018 to a colleague, and that this conduct amounted to breaches of the Standards of Professional Behaviour, in particular those paragraphs relating to equality and diversity, discreditable conduct, and authority, respect and courtesy.

“It is alleged that this conduct, if proven, amounts to gross misconduct, being so serious as to justify the dismissal of a police officer.

“The identity of witnesses will be protected during the hearing as appropriate.”

The Northern Echo: Cleveland PCC Steve TurnerCleveland PCC Steve Turner

The ex-Cleveland Police boss stepped down from the force in 2019 after ten months as chief constable, during which time he was accused of inappropriate and unprofessional behaviour towards staff.

In December 2022 he was given the interim job of chief executive officer for the PCC for Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland, but left after just two months.

Mr Veale previously faced criticism over the handling of an inquiry into child abuse claims against the late Prime Minister Sir Edward Heath when he was chief constable at Wiltshire Police.

The Cleveland Police disciplinary proceedings could potentially bar the 57-year-old from taking another police post with a ruling being made on what action, if any, should have been taken had he still been employed by the force.

  • The hearing, starting today (Monday, June 26), will be held in public and is set to occur at Leonardo Hotel, on Middlesbrough's Fry Street.