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GMP Sergeant Demoted for Gross Misconduct Over Detainee Left Miles From Home Before Fatal Hit-and-Run

Prosecutors brought no charges over the officers’ actions.

Overview

  • An IOPC panel, after a seven-day hearing, found Sgt David Wood breached professional standards and reduced him to constable for gross misconduct.
  • Misconduct was also found against a former sergeant and two PCs, with the ex-officer facing no sanction and the PCs directed to reflective practice.
  • Gareth Roper, 35, was arrested, driven nearly four miles, and de-arrested outside an Iceland store at about 3:50am wearing only boxer shorts and without his phone or money.
  • He was struck on Lily Lane around 4:16am; driver Jamie Evans later admitted causing death by dangerous driving and received a nine-year sentence in September 2023.
  • The IOPC shared its findings with the coroner, and an inquest into Mr Roper’s death has yet to take place.