A Hampshire police officer died after being arrested at his home in connection with a misconduct investigation, an inquest has heard. PC Alex Hazlett-Beard, 32, was on paternity leave when he was taken into custody in the early hours of the morning at his home in Southampton.
The officer, who had a baby daughter just one month before his death in February 2025, was facing an allegation of attempting to pervert the course of justice. The charge related to a bike crash in 2023 and 'contradictory accounts' regarding his speed at the time, the Pre-Inquest Review Hearing in Winchester was told.
PC Hazlett-Beard had reported symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder following the 2023 incident. Hampshire Constabulary has referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) over his death, and an investigation is being conducted by Greater Manchester Police (GMP).
Coroner Nicholas Walker expressed frustration at the expected length of the probe, which could take up to 15 months. He said: 'I am utterly frustrated by the delay, for the family this is intolerable, they want this next week, not next year.'
The officer's widow, Megan, also a police officer, has requested sight of Hampshire's policy on welfare support for officers on paternity leave, particularly regarding arrest procedures. The full inquest is scheduled for the week starting September 28, 2026.
Hampshire Police Federation chair Spencer Wragg paid tribute, saying: 'Alex was a dedicated officer who served the force diligently for a number of years. He will be much missed.'
