Former Detective Launches High Court Case Against North Wales Police
A former police detective has initiated legal proceedings against his former force, alleging that a deeply flawed investigation into his ex-partner's alleged affair with a colleague, followed by her marriage to a senior officer overseeing the probe, caused severe psychiatric injury and career loss. Andrew Fearon is suing North Wales Police in the High Court, claiming the force's failures led to his mental health deterioration and professional downfall.
Allegations of Affair and Tainted Investigation
Court documents reveal that Mr Fearon's complaint centers on his ex-partner and colleague, Rebecca Hutt, whom he alleged had an affair with another officer, Shaun Parry, while both were stationed at St Asaph Police Station. The papers claim Mr Parry was relocated to Wrexham to conceal the affair and avoid disciplinary action. Mr Fearon, who worked at Menai Bridge Police Station in Anglesey, discovered the alleged infidelity in May 2017 and filed a workplace grievance.
However, Mr Fearon asserts the investigation was compromised because Detective Superintendent Steve Williams, involved in the probe, was allegedly in a relationship with Ms Hutt at the time. Mr Williams, who later married Ms Hutt and has since retired, denies being in a relationship with her during the investigation. In December 2017, Mr Fearon separately lodged a formal complaint alleging domestic violence, coercive control, and fraud against Ms Hutt, but his requests for an independent or external investigation were rejected, resulting in no further action.
Psychological Impact and Career Consequences
The court papers state that by 2021, the situation had become "mentally intolerable" for Mr Fearon, who informed a colleague of his intention to arrest Mr Williams. The following day, he was placed on two weeks' leave, had his office key fob revoked, and was prevented from returning to work, ultimately leading to his resignation. Mr Fearon is seeking damages for psychiatric injury, citing an alleged failure by North Wales Police to ensure his grievance and criminal complaint were independently and fairly investigated.
According to the documents, Mr Fearon suffered from generalised anxiety disorder and complex post-traumatic stress disorder. He repeatedly noted in performance development reviews that "the corruption I have endured at the hands of North Wales Police has had a significant detrimental effect on my physical and mental health." The case is scheduled for a six-day hearing at a Liverpool court in July.
Responses from Involved Parties
Mr Williams has publicly denied having a relationship with Ms Hutt during the investigation, stating, "I strenuously deny these claims." Mr Parry declined to comment, saying, "I have no comment about that man [Mr Fearon] and the case. I have moved on with my life and have no interest whatsoever." Ms Hutt also declined to comment. A spokesperson for North Wales Police told The Independent that due to active legal proceedings with a trial scheduled for July, it would be inappropriate to comment, and they will not provide further detail until proceedings conclude.
