Misconduct hearing for PC John Flaherty
Notice of hearing to be held in public
Name of the officer concerned: PC 2993 John Flaherty
Date: 22 to 25 September 2026
Start Time: 12 noon on 22 September 2026
Location:
Old Magistrates Court
Houghton Police Station
Dairy Lane
Houghton Le Spring
DH4 5BL
The allegations (in summary):
Allegation 1
On the 13th December 2024 the officer was off-duty and socialising with colleagues in Newcastle city centre. The officer approached a female colleague and made an inappropriate and discriminatory comment that was directed to and about her.
The alleged conduct of the officer amounted to the sexual harassment of the female and the use of a racial stereotype in respect of a member of the public and/or a colleague.
Allegation 2
On the 7th March 2025 the officer was interviewed by officers of the Northumbria Police Professional Standards Department (PSD) in relation to the alleged conduct discussed at allegation 1 above.
During that interview the officer denied making the comment in the context it is alleged to have been said to and/or intended to have been understood or received by the female.
On the 28th January 2026, while on duty, the officer told his colleagues that he had lied during his interview with PSD. The officer told his colleagues that he did make the comment in the context it is alleged to have been said to and/or intended to be understood or received by the female.
It is alleged that the officer’s conduct breaches the Standards of Professional Behaviour relating to Authority, Respect and Courtesy, Equality and Diversity, Discreditable Conduct and Honesty and Integrity, and amounts to Gross Misconduct.
If you wish to apply to attend the hearing, you must book no later than 1pm the previous working day. This is to allow for sufficient time to progress the application. Any requests received after this time will be unable to be processed in time for the hearing and therefore will be rejected.
The identity of victims/witnesses may be protected during the hearing as appropriate.
Please ensure that you have read the conditions of entry prior to booking.