Former Northants Police chief constable cleared of any wrongdoing by Independent Police Complaints Commission

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) has decided not to carry out any further enquiries regarding Operation Kalmia, which has confirmed that former chief constable Adrian Lee has no case to answer for either gross misconduct or misconduct.

Northamptonshire Police and Crime Commissioner Adam Simmonds said he was pleased the IPCC had a agreed with his assessment of the case.

Almost a year ago to the day, Commissioner Simmonds announced that following legal advice taken on receipt of the final report by the IPCC in to the operation, it was his belief as governing authority that Mr Lee had no case to answer.

Mr Simmonds informed the IPCC of his decision, however, the IPCC have the power to determine if a hearing should nevertheless take place and following a lengthy consideration, they have today announced their decision not to continue their enquiries.

The investigation has therefore concluded with the result being that Mr Lee – who retired from his position as Chief Constable of Northamptonshire Police last summer - has no case to answer.

The IPCC’s study of Operation Kalmia looked at disclosure issues prior to the 2008 trial of five men for the murder of Kevin Nunes in 2002, and how a protected witness was dealt with by the police. All senior Staffordshire Police staff originally involved have been cleared of any wrong doing.

Mr Simmonds said: “I welcome the considered view of the new IPCC Commissioner and the IPCC Deputy Chairman handling the investigation known as Operation Kalmia and I believe the conclusions to be sensible and reasonable.

“There have been long delays in the conclusion of this investigation and I have to say that since the Deputy Chairman took hold of it, I have been impressed with the communication and engagement with PCCs and the other appropriate authorities.

“I’m very pleased that all those concerned can in a very real sense move on with their lives. Even though Adrian Lee retired last year this has been a real burden upon him and his family. I took the decision after legal advice that there was no case to answer in relation to the allegations against him and I am pleased the IPCC have decided not to challenge that decision.”