Overview

• The panel determined PC John Birch deliberately shared at least one intimate video of a consensual partner with colleague PC Daniel Gunston, a breach deemed intentional and disrespectful.
• PC Gunston’s denials about watching the video were deemed operational dishonesty after he gave supervisors conflicting accounts.
• The officers were dismissed without notice on July 2, ending the disciplinary proceedings unless either files an appeal.
• Their identities were disclosed upon dismissal after being initially anonymised to safeguard Birch’s children.
• Gunston had been part of a team honoured with a Police Federation Excellence Award for its response to a 2020 fatal crash, contrasting past commendations with the misconduct ruling.