A disciplinary hearing into allegations of sexual misconduct by a Norfolk police officer at a Christmas party has been halted on its first day.

Former sergeant Richard Lodge, who has since left the force, is accused of engaging in unwanted physical contact and inappropriate communication at the party on December 7, 2021.

But on the first day of a planned week-long hearing the panel decided to recuse themselves because they had seen evidence from a witness no longer being relied upon in the case. 

Christopher Hopkins, the barrister representing the former officer, had argued this would create the “real possibility of bias”.

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The hearing at Norfolk Constabulary headquarters at Wymondham was told the allegations involved three colleagues.

The panel said its members had seen an investigation report, witness statement and “extraordinarily powerful” personal statement from one whose evidence was no longer being relied on.

Due to this and because the allegations amounted to a “pattern of behaviour” at the same party it said they could no longer fairly oversee the hearing.

A new panel will be convened in 2024.