A Greater Manchester Police officer, Gavin Bell, was convicted of criminal damage after he broke a window at a school 'in anger or frustration' in front of the headteacher. The incident led to a misconduct hearing where it was revealed that Bell would have been sacked had he not already resigned from the force.

He stepped down as a constable on May 14 this year and his name will now be added to the College of Policing's 'Barred List', preventing him from serving as a police officer again. The hearing was chaired by Lee Rawlinson, GMP's Chief Resources Officer, and took place on May 15 at GMP HQ.

Mr Rawlinson concluded that alleged breaches of standards of professional behaviour - namely discreditable conduct and authority; respect and courtesy - were proven and amounted to gross misconduct. Bell did not attend the hearing and there was no representation from the police federation on his behalf.

It was confirmed that Bell was convicted of criminal damage at Chester Magistrates' Court on October 14, 2024, and was ordered to pay £650 in court costs and £125 in compensation.

In the ruling, it was stated: "The behaviour of former PC Bell in breaking a window, in anger or frustration, at a school in the presence of the headmistress and potentially many young students was unforgivable behaviour. Not only is the damage caused a criminal offence, but the likely consequences for officers so convicted is widely understood within the force. The language, violence and behaviour of former PC Bell leading to a criminal conviction constitutes discreditable conduct and authority, respect and courtesy. This has a serious and significant impact on public trust and confidence in policing, reports the Manchester Evening News.

"Mr Rawlinson said Bell had 'chosen not to engage with this process'. The 'core purpose' of misconduct hearings, he added, was to 'sustain public confidence in the police'.Mr Rawlinson added: "Mr Bell's offending behaviour was clearly unlawful as demonstrated through his conviction, but also clearly constitutes gross misconduct for falling way below the standards expected of a police officer. What is clear to me is that this episode shows terrible behaviour which has carried a significant consequence. 

Had Mr Bell not resigned, I would have dismissed him from the service with immediate effect. I order that Mr Bell's name be added to the College of Policing's Barred List."

The school involved wasn't identified in the ruling. No further details about the offence have been revealed either.