An external investigation has concluded that Guernsey Police’s former Chief Officer did not lie in a court hearing brought against the force by a member of the public.
Rob Curgenven and his wife had lodged the complaint against the then-Chief of Police, Ruari Hardy, accusing him of lying under oath.
The case has been investigated by West Midlands Police, on behalf of the Committee for Home Affairs which is the ‘Appropriate Authority’ when dealing with complaints concerning Guernsey Police or its officers.
West Midlands Police has now said that there is no case to answer and that no further action is needed.
The West Midlands Police report states: “After reviewing all available documentation and corroborative evidence, the investigation did not identify any behaviour or documentation that demonstrated an intention by CO Hardy to mislead the court. […] Furthermore, CO Hardy has consistently supported his testimony with avaliable documentation and has provided explanations where clarity was needed.”
The report also clarified that if former CO Hardy was still acting as a police officer, there would be no need for any disciplinary action to be taken.
Mr Hardy has however left the police, and a spokesperson for the force has reiterated that the complaint had no bearing or impact on his decision to retire, after 40 years of service.
The Appropriate Authority – the Committee for Home Affairs – has endorsed the recommendations made by West Midlands Police in its full report, which has not been seen by Express.
Home Affairs said that means, that as far as it is concerned, the matter is closed.
It did however choose to make this information public – which it does not always do when complaints are made against police officers.
“The Appropriate Authority felt it appropriate to issue this statement because of the level of negative media coverage at the time the complaint was made in relation to the alleged conduct of Ruari Hardy,” said a spokesperson.
“The Committee for Home Affairs recognises that former CO Hardy served Guernsey Police as a dedicated leader for nearly six years, and retired last year, concluding a career in which he gave excellent support and leadership to the Bailiwick community.
“It is the Committee for Home Affairs’ view that the Bailiwick must have a robust and trusted police complaints system, and all complaints against police officers must be taken seriously. As previously stated, it is also the Committee’s view that Police Complaints Legislation in Guernsey requires a fundamental and comprehensive review, as a priority, to ensure it fully meets Policing Standards and public requirements of 2025.”
