Senior Cleveland Police officer cleared of wrongdoing after investigation

Adrian Roberts, Assistant Chief Constable of Cleveland Police, was the subject of an investigation by the National Crime Agency into undisclosed allegations after being suspended in April 2019.

Today, Tuesday, June 2, 20200, the Chief Police Officers Staff Association has said Assistant Chief Constable Roberts’ suspension has been lifted after the investigation found no evidence he committed any crimes.

Chief Constable Andy Rhodes Chair of the Chief Police Officers Staff Association (CPOSA) said: “A criminal investigation by the National Crime Agency into undisclosed allegations against Assistant Chief Constable Adrian Roberts of Cleveland Police has found no evidence to suggest any criminal offences were committed.

“Cleveland Police have subsequently lifted ACC Roberts' suspension.”

Assistant Chief Constable Roberts said the probe has had an ‘immense’ impact on him and his family and effectively brought his 33-year career to an end.

He said: “I would like to thank my family, friends and colleagues who have kept faith in and stood by me during this difficult period.

“On the basis of what amounted to unfounded allegations, I have suffered the indignity of more than 12 months under rigorous criminal investigation.

“The impact on my family has been immense, our lives have been put on hold and, in practical terms, my career of nearly 33 years public service in policing brought towards a most unhappy close.

“Having fully cooperated with the investigation from the outset, I am naturally relieved to receive the inevitable, independent confirmation that I am innocent of any crime, and now need to concentrate on rebuilding my life.”

ACC Roberts is understood to be considering his future while taking some leave in the meantime.

Cleveland Police said: “In April 2019, a decision was taken to suspend Assistant Chief Constable Adrian Roberts pending the outcome of a criminal investigation.

“That investigation, conducted by the National Crime Agency, has now ended and we have been informed that no evidence was found to suggest that any criminal offences had been committed in relation to the allegations made and that ACC Roberts will face no further action.”

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