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The Independent
10 minutes ago
- The Independent
Police officer died after arrest during paternity leave amid misconduct probe, inquest hears
A serving police officer died after he was arrested at home during paternity leave after being accused of misconduct, an inquest has heard. Pc Alex Hazlett-Beard, of Hampshire Constabulary, died at Lepe Country Park in the New Forest on February 11 2025. A pre-inquest review hearing at Winchester was told that the 32-year-old was subject to a misconduct investigation at the time of his death relating to a road accident in May 2023. It heard that Pc Hazlett-Beard was on paternity leave for the birth of his daughter when he was arrested at his home in Southampton for allegedly attempting to pervert the course of justice. Sam Harmel, representing Pc Hazlett-Beard's widow Megan, also a serving police officer, said: 'Meg would like to have sight of Hampshire's policy, standard operating procedures, around the welfare of officers on paternity leave, especially for issues around being arrested.' Pravin Fernando, representing Hampshire Constabulary, responded: 'If there is a policy, it should be released.' Coroner Nicholas Walker said a complaint was made against Hampshire Constabulary to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) and an investigation had been launched by Greater Manchester Police (GMP). Mr Fernando said the probe was expected to take nine months with a further six months for the IOPC to review its report. Mr Walker said: 'A complaint has been made in respect of Hampshire's handling of this case. It's clear to me that Greater Manchester Police aren't going to conclude this in a matter of days.' The coroner added: 'I am utterly frustrated by the delay, for the family this is intolerable, they want this next week, not next year.' Pc Hazlett-Beard's father Nick said: 'My view is let GMP do its thing as they understand the police system, they understand how to do things, they understand what is good and what is not good. 'And they possibly understand if someone is being devious and finding a way around things.' Mr Walker said issues to be looked at by the full inquest included the arrest of Pc Hazlett-Beard at his home, welfare support for him and his firearms application. Mr Fernando said the accident in 2023 left Pc Hazlett-Beard suffering post-traumatic stress disorder and added: 'There are issues of how that accident affected Alex's mental health in and of itself. 'Then there are his aspirations to be part of the surveillance unit and the training required. It's all a stressful situation for him at the start of 2025.' When the inquest previously opened, it was told that Pc Hazlett-Beard was found dead in his vehicle but a cause of death was not given as pathologist Dr Matthew Sommerlad required the result of toxicology tests. Last month, Hampshire police and crime commissioner Donna Jones announced an independent review of the force's professional standards department after the death of Pc Hazlett-Beard and the unrelated death of another officer, Pc Claire Browne, in July. Mr Walker adjourned the case for a full hearing to start on September 28 2026. Ms Jones said: 'Recent events have understandably raised questions and concerns among officers, staff and the wider public about how the force handles internal investigations.' In a statement released after Pc Hazlett-Beard's death, Spencer Wragg, chairman of Hampshire Police Federation, said: 'Alex was a dedicated officer who served the force diligently for a number of years. 'He was a well loved and respected colleague and friend. I had the pleasure of working with Alex and I know his loss is felt by many in the force. He will be much missed.'
The Independent
10 minutes ago
- The Independent
We're prepared if protests turn violent, police say ahead of string of anti-migrant demonstrations
Police chiefs have warned they are ready to 'mobilise significant and specialist resources' if unrest breaks out at a string of anti-migrant protests planned at hotels housing asylum seekers. The National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) is working with forces across the country and monitoring intelligence in preparation for a fresh wave of protests on Friday, with demonstrations planned at up to 14 hotels across the country. It comes as the Metropolitan Police is also expected to come under pressure on Saturday when a National March for Palestine is planned in the capital. A separate pro-Palestine Action rally could result in mass arrests with 500 people expected to hold signs saying 'I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action' in defiance of anti-terror laws. Anti-migrant protesters are expected to return to The Bell Hotel in Epping, Essex, on Friday, where violence erupted last month after an Ethiopian refugee was charged with sexual assault for allegedly attempting to kiss a 14-year-old girl. Demonstrators are also set to return to the Britannia Hotel in Canary Wharf, where a group wearing face masks and carrying smoke bombs made a 'concerted effort' to break in last weekend. Other anti-migrant demonstrations are planned at hotels in Birmingham, Wolverhampton, Leeds and Norwich, among others, in what is being billed as UK-wide protests to 'abolish the asylum system'. Organisers have said the events will be 'locally led peaceful protests ' with no masks and no alcohol in posters shared widely on social media. Ahead of the widespread action, Chief Constable BJ Harrington, chair of the NPCC Operations Coordination Committee, said: 'We have robust and well-tested proactive plans in place, with the ability to mobilise significant and specialist resources, if necessary. "Public order response officers will be supported by investigation teams who will gather evidence and ensure those responsible for any acts of criminality, should they occur, are identified and held to account. 'Policing is not anti-protest, we are anti-crime and we will continue to work with local communities to ensure that they are safe and serious disruption is prevented.' The Police Federation, which represents rank and file officers, has warned that another summer of unrest places forces and officers under strain. 'Public order duties often mean long shifts, cancelled leave, missed family time and real risk,' a spokesman added. 'That takes its toll. This isn't just about numbers; it's about resilience, wellbeing, and a system under strain.' It comes ahead of the possibility of yet more mass arrests in London on Saturday, after the Met vowed to continue its crackdown on those showing support for Palestine Action. Campaign group Defend Our Juries has said more than 500 people are ready to be arrested by holding placards supporting the banned direct-action group in Parliament Square. They have warned their demonstrations will continue until a legal challenge over its proscription as a terror group is heard at the High Court in November. At least 221 people have been arrested across the country under terror laws for supporting Palestine Action since it was banned in July, with ten people charged so far. Despite plans for a large-scale demonstration with the 'intention of placing a strain on the police and the wider criminal justice system', a spokesperson for the Met said they are prepared for 'any eventuality' and anyone showing support for the group should expect to be arrested. Vicki Evans, senior national coordinator for Prevent and Pursue at Counter Terrorism Policing, said that they have 'robust plans' in place to respond to activity in support of Palestine Action. 'At this time, it remains illegal to be a member of or encourage support for the group Palestine Action,' she added. 'This legislation is specific to that group and does not interfere with the right to protest in support of the Palestinian cause. 'Operational plans are in place to ensure this right can be preserved over the coming days with protests expected in several major cities, including London.' Despite pressures on prison capacity, a Ministry of Justice spokesman insisted the system is prepared to 'act quickly' if more cells are needed. Officials will not hesitate to use contingency measures if they are faced with a sudden influx to the prison estate, The Independent understands. This could include activating Operation Early Dawn, which allows defendants to be held in police cells until prison beds become available. 'The swift and coordinated response to last year's unrest shows the criminal justice system is prepared to act quickly if needed to maintain stability and keep the public safe,' the spokesperson added.
The Independent
10 minutes ago
- The Independent
‘Fixated' man who stalked Anna Friel for three years bailed ahead of sentencing
A man who was 'fixated' with actress Anna Friel and stalked her for nearly three years has been ordered by a judge not to contact her ahead of his sentencing next month. Phil Appleton, 71, sent numerous messages, visited the actress's home address on several occasions and left 'unwanted' gifts between January 1 2022 and December 11 2024, Reading Crown Court previously heard. Appleton, of Windsor in Berkshire, pleaded guilty to a stalking offence under Section 2A of the Protection from Harassment Act 1997 earlier this week. He was due to be sentenced on Thursday but judge Alan Blake adjourned the hearing until September 18 for a pre-sentence report to be carried out. The court heard that a psychiatrist had diagnosed Appleton with bipolar disorder and erotomania, where a person believes that someone else is in love with them. The psychiatrist said that Appleton had a 'fixation' with Friel and was trying to determine whether this was still the case, the court heard. The defendant, who the court heard has been in custody for six months and has spent time in a mental health facility, was granted conditional bail. Appleton must not contact Friel or enter the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, and is to co-operate with those conducting the pre-sentence report. A website under his name appears to suggest that he is an actor and retired pilot. Friel, 49, rose to fame with her role as Beth Jordache in Channel 4 soap opera Brookside. She achieved international renown in 2007 starring as Charlotte 'Chuck' Charles in ABC comedy series Pushing Daisies. In 2017, she won the International Emmy for Best Actress for her role as the title character in the ITV and Netflix mystery drama series Marcella.
