The Police Ombudsman has concluded that an off-duty police officer committed no disciplinary offence when he visited the workplace of a man suspected of a sexual assault on his (the officer's) sister.
The case was referred to the Police Ombudsman's Office by the Chief Constable amid concerns that the officer - who was not involved in the investigation of the alleged assault - may have been attempting to exert undue influence or pressure on the suspect.
Enquiries suggested that the officer had produced his warrant card, identified himself as a police officer and asked to speak to the suspect. The officer was off-duty at the time and was not wearing a police uniform.
However, when interviewed, the officer said he had gone to his sister's workplace to speak to another member of staff about an unrelated matter. He denied speaking to or having any dealings with the suspect during the visit and only produced his warrant card when asked for identification.
Potential witnesses who may have seen what happened during the visit were identified but declined to provide witness statements.
The Police Ombudsman, who did not receive any complaints in relation to the incident, concluded that there was no evidence that the officer had committed any criminal or disciplinary offence.