A high-ranking police commander avoided being sacked by announcing his early retirement mere hours before he was due to face a disciplinary panel for sending explicit photographs to a junior female colleague.
A Three-Year Denial and Lucrative Suspension
Chief Superintendent Rob Cousen, who led Greater Manchester Police's City of Manchester Division on a salary of approximately £100,000 per year, was suspended on full pay in October 2022. This followed allegations of sexual harassment after he sent unsolicited pictures of his private parts to the officer.
For three years, Cousen consistently denied any wrongdoing. During this period of suspension, he continued to receive his full pay, pocketing an estimated £300,000 while off duty. It was only at the eleventh hour, at midnight on Sunday, that he finally admitted gross misconduct and retired with his full pension intact.
'Abuse of Position' and Last-Minute Admission
The misconduct hearing proceeded in his absence the following day. The panel heard that Cousen had pursued a 'sexually motivated and sexually inappropriate relationship' with the junior officer over six months between December 2021 and May 2022.
He obtained her personal mobile number and sent texts while drunk and off duty. The panel was told he asked her out, sent selfies, and on at least two occasions in February and May 2022 sent 'unsolicited' explicit images. The officer made a formal complaint, triggering the investigation.
Debra Tedds, the former chief constable who chaired the panel, concluded this was a 'clear case of gross misconduct'. She stated Cousen would have been dismissed without notice had he not already left the force. Ms Tedds noted a significant 'power imbalance' and that Cousen had 'abused his position' by offering the woman an unrequested promotion for which she was not qualified.
Watchdog Condemns 'Unacceptable' Behaviour and System Failings
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), strongly criticised Cousen's actions. Director Amanda Rowe said his behaviour was an 'abuse of his position' which must have been 'deeply unpleasant' for the officer he targeted.
She expressed deep frustration that Cousen denied the allegations for two years after the IOPC found a case to answer in October 2023, 'considerably delaying this outcome'. Ms Rowe stated the case 'highlighted the need for urgent reform of police disciplinary measures'.
Terry Woods, Deputy Chief Constable of GMP, echoed this frustration, describing Cousen's actions as 'totally out of order' and 'far from the standard expected' of a senior leader. The panel recommended Cousen's name be added to the College of Policing barred list, preventing any return to police work.
In a statement via his representative, Cousen offered 'sincere and heartfelt apologies' and said he deeply regretted his actions and the hurt caused, particularly to his family. He admitted his behaviour was 'not conducive to being a police officer'.
