THE Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) investigation into the former chief constable of Wiltshire Police Pat Geenty has found that he does have a potential case to answer for the way he handled complaints relating to allegations of sexual abuse.

Angus Macpherson, the police and crime commissioner, now has to decide whether to charge Mr Geenty for misconduct after being handed a 140 page report.

However as the finding is for possible misconduct not the more serious charge of gross misconduct Wiltshire Police will not stand in the way of Mr Geenty's decision to stand retire on Sunday saying it is not in the public interest. He is currently on unpaid leave following his decision to leave the force at the end of May.

Mr Macpherson said: "The IPCC investigation has identified that Mr Geenty has a potential case to answer for misconduct.

"As Appropriate Authority I will need to go through it all in detail to determine whether I am in agreement with their findings, further to taking professional advice. I will give the IPCC my response as soon as I am able.

"It is not my intention to prevent Mr Geenty from retiring. There is no legal ground to do so, nor do I believe it is in the public interest to suspend him.

"The finding by the IPCC is of potential misconduct, not gross misconduct. He has reaffirmed that he will respond to any issues that arise if it is considered that there is a case to answer.

“As Appropriate Authority for the other two officers involved (one of whom had been suspended from post and one of whom had been suspended from the organisation) Chief Constable Mike Veale, in line with complaints procedure and in light of the IPCC finding of potential misconduct for both officers (not gross misconduct), has this morning carried out a suspension review.

"As a result of this formal review, the suspensions of both officers have been lifted.”