A North Wales Police officer broke down in tears as she denied allegations of drunkenly groping two colleagues and attempting to kiss a senior inspector during a leaving party at a rugby club.
Allegations of Inappropriate Contact
PC Pamela Pritchard, 29, is facing accusations of gross misconduct over her behaviour at a gathering at Caernarfon Rugby Club in March 2024. A misconduct hearing was told the officer, who has a young daughter, was seen 'twerking' on the dance floor before allegedly making unwanted physical advances towards colleagues.
The panel heard that PC Pritchard is accused of placing her hand on the genitals of a male officer, identified as PC B, on two separate occasions during the evening – once at the bar and later in a smoking area. He stated he felt "humiliated" and described her squeezing him. A female colleague, Police Constable A, alleged PC Pritchard came up behind her, put arms around her neck and then grabbed and squeezed her breasts.
Officer's Emotional Denial
Giving evidence, PC Pritchard told the hearing she had "no recollection" of the specific incidents. "My behaviour that evening was inappropriate. I've never acted like that before," she said. "I'm absolutely mortified at the allegations. The statements and the CCTV that I have seen and heard – that's not who I am."
The officer became emotional, adding: "I've let down the police force, myself, my friends and family and most of all I've let down my little girl." She insisted she did not intentionally make contact with PC B's groin and denied being a lesbian, despite an alleged comment at the party where she said, "I'm the biggest lesbian here and I'll fight any man."
Further Accusations and Ongoing Hearing
The charges also state that PC Pritchard attempted to kiss a male inspector, causing him to pull away, and used insulting language towards colleagues. Her barrister, Fiona Clancy, suggested that PC B had been "teasing her and interfering in her love life" during the night.
The disciplinary panel, chaired by North Wales Assistant Chief Constable Chris Allsop, was shown CCTV footage from the evening. PC Pritchard denies all allegations of breaching standards of professional behaviour and denies gross misconduct. The hearing at Colwyn Bay police headquarters continues.
