POLICE OFFICER KEEPS JOB AFTER SEXUALLY HARASSING WOMAN
In 2015, PC Paul Fortune gained national recognition after rescuing a boy who was choking on a 2p coin in Downend.His quick reflexes and actions earned him an appearance on the popular TV program This Morning, along with widespread praise.
However, in a different turn of events, three years later he was accused of sexual harassment toward a female colleague and later faced a misconduct hearing.
Although he retained his employment, he received a final written warning.
The misconduct panel determined that this penalty was suitable and fair, considering the multiple substantiated allegations against him.
The accusations included sexually harassing a PCSO, lacking self-control and failing to treat female police staff with respect and courtesy, and demonstrating unequal behavior towards women compared to male colleagues.
Additionally, he was accused of damaging public trust in the police by parking outside a victim’s house while on duty, texting her, and once describing himself as a "stalker." During the hearing, it was revealed that PC Fortune made inappropriate comments to female staff, such as telling a female officer, “I have a really high sex drive and [redacted] – so if you are ever in need of a partner let me know,” and when she declined his advances, he responded, “Are you saying I’m fat and ugly?” She perceived this as a joke.
He also asked a female staff member what time she was finishing work, suggesting he could visit her afterward, and was recorded to have expressed interest in her personal time.
The victim reported that in February 2019, she complained after PC Fortune massaged her shoulders without consent, though she acknowledged he was generally kind and caring toward others.
Further allegations included comments like, “Has [redacted] touched your special bits?
I never touch your special bits when I worked with you,” which made her uncomfortable, especially when he accidentally squirted hand sanitiser on her arm.
The panel concluded that, between April 2017 and February 2019, PC Fortune’s conduct breached standards of authority, respect, and equality, and was discreditable.
At the conclusion of the disciplinary hearing at Avon and Somerset Police’s Portishead headquarters, chairman Peter Cadman noted that while none of the behaviors individually qualified as gross misconduct, their cumulative effect was serious.
The timing and context, including the hierarchical structure, were taken into account.
Despite this, he recognised that PC Fortune’s colleagues spoke positively about him, and ultimately, a final written warning was deemed appropriate and proportionate for these proven violations.
