AN INVESTIGATION has found there is "sufficient evidence" against two West Yorkshire police officers in a gross misconduct hearing.

It relates to a case looking into the circumstances of three-year-old Riley Siswick, who tragically died on February 6, 2016. 

An investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said the misconduct panel had enough "evidence" to feel these officers could be found to have breached professional standards of behaviour and therefore be dismissed.

The panel cleared detective superintendent Mark Swift of all allegations.

West Yorkshire Police said: "The IOPC determined that three Officers had a case to answer for gross misconduct and directed the force to proceed with a hearing. 

"One allegation of misconduct was proved on a limited basis, for DI George Bardell who breached the standard of professional behaviour in relation to duties and responsibilities.

"Two allegations of misconduct were proved on a limited basis, for PC Oliver Scoones who breached the standard of professional behaviour in relation to duties and responsibilities.

"The panel stated that both DI Bardell and PC Scoones will face no further action."

IOPC Regional Director Miranda Biddle said: “We are aware of the outcome. This was a thorough investigation, and it is our role to ensure that the relevant evidence we gathered is provided to the force to present to the panel. This has been achieved.

“These were very serious allegations against three officers regarding their conduct following the tragic murder of Riley Siswick. It is our view, and according to the evidence we obtained, that there was sufficient evidence upon which a misconduct panel could find that the actions of the three police officers fell well below the standard expected.

“In light of this, we made the decision to direct that gross misconduct proceedings take place. The outcome of these proceedings is, however, a decision for the independent panel and not the IOPC.

“We are satisfied that these necessary, worthwhile hearings have taken place; not least that Riley’s family, and the wider community have had the opportunity to hear the officers account for their actions.

“We continue to work with West Yorkshire Police, where numerous processes have already been changed as a result of our investigation, particularly around preparing reports for coroners, and carrying out investigative work.

“We will now consider the panel’s findings with a view to publishing further details about our work in the near future.”

They are scheduled to attend a misconduct hearing starting Monday, May 18.

It follows a 10 month investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC)

The misconduct hearing started on Monday, May 18.

It had originally began in September 2019 but due to a lack of time to complete the hearing it had to be adjourned to March 2020, when it was further postponed because of the Covid-19 restrictions.

A mandatory referral was made to the IOPC in December 2016 by West Yorkshire Police in relation to the police investigation.

It then launched an investigation which was completed in October 2017 and concluded the three officers had a case to answer for gross misconduct.

West Yorkshire Police disagreed and, in January 2018, the IOPC directed that a hearing take place.

Following further information a fresh West Yorkshire Police investigation was carried out into Riley’s death, Kyle Campbell and Kayleigh Siswick were charged in November 2018.

On 13 June 2019 Mr Campbell was found guilty of murder and of causing or allowing the death of a child.

He was given a life sentence with a minimum of 20 years. Ms Siswick was found guilty of causing or allowing the death of a child and was sentenced to seven years in prison.

Angela Williams, assistant chief constable for West Yorkshire Police said: "The death of Riley Siswick was a truly harrowing case in which the life of a three year old child was taken through the actions of the very people he should have been able to rely on to protect him.

"A West Yorkshire Police investigation and subsequent court case led to a man being found guilty of Riley’s murder and a woman being found guilty of causing and allowing the death of a child.

"The murder investigation itself was lengthy and complex, and resulted in those responsible being brought to justice.

"In accordance with national policies a mandatory referral was made to the IOPC regarding the Force’s initial handling of the case."