Detective Sues Police Force Over Alleged Affair Cover-Up

A former detective is suing North Wales Police, alleging a cover-up related to an affair his fiancée had with a colleague, and a subsequent relationship between his ex-fiancée and the senior officer assigned to investigate the claims. Andrew Fearon is seeking over £340,000 in damages, citing personal injury and loss of earnings.

The Alleged Affair and Initial Complaint

Andrew Fearon alleges that while engaged to Detective Constable Rebecca Hutt, she confessed to an affair with Detective Constable Shaun Parry in the summer of 2018. The alleged relationship took place on police premises at the St Asaph police station in Denbighshire. Fearon filed a formal complaint, alleging misconduct.

Investigation and Subsequent Marriage

Detective Superintendent Steve Williams was assigned to investigate Fearon’s complaint in November 2017. He recommended no further action, allowing Hutt to remain in her post. However, court papers allege that Williams was in a sexual relationship with Hutt during the investigation and used his position to influence the outcome. Williams and Hutt later married in 2022.

Claims of a “Known Sexual Predator” and Force Conspiracy

Legal filings claim that Parry was a “known sexual predator” and allege that members of the North Wales Police conspired to protect him from disciplinary action. Instead of facing a misconduct panel, Parry was transferred to a station in Wrexham. He was later dismissed by the force in 2019 over separate allegations of inappropriate behavior with another female colleague.

Fearon’s Allegations and Resignation

Fearon also accused his ex-fiancée of coercive control, domestic violence, and fraud. After informing a colleague of his intention to arrest Williams for gross misconduct, Fearon claims his access fob was deactivated, barring him from police premises. Following a denial of his request for an external investigation, he resigned from the force.

Legal Action and Claims

Fearon is seeking a total of £344,000 in damages, including £200,000 for personal injury and £144,000 for loss of earnings. His solicitor, David Miers, stated the case centers on North Wales Police’s failure to undertake an impartial investigation given the alleged offenses and relationships. The failure to do so, Miers claims, left Fearon feeling isolated and unsupported, resulting in severe psychiatric injury.

Responses from Involved Parties

Steve Williams, now retired, strongly denies having a relationship with his wife, Rebecca Hutt, at the time of the investigation, calling Fearon’s claims “malicious, without substance, and a continuum of harassment.” Shaun Parry declined to comment, stating he had “moved on with my life.” Rebecca Hutt, still a serving officer, also declined to comment. The case is scheduled for a hearing at a Liverpool court in July.