Top cop ‘made vile comment about widow of hero PC Andrew Harper who was dragged to his death while on duty’
A TOP cop made a vile comment about the widow of a hero police officer who was dragged to death while on duty, a tribunal heard.
Ex-head of the Police Federation John Apter allegedly said he would like to “comfort” PC Andrew Harper’s wife Lissie in “his “my hotel room”.
The cop is accused of making the “sickening” and “sexually suggestive” remark as the widow was due to collect a posthumous award on behalf of the fallen officer.
PC Harper had been responding to a bike theft by three teens in Berkshire in August 2019 when he was dragged to death.
He had married Lissie, who was made an MBE in 2022 for campaigning to strengthen the law in his memory, just four weeks before the tragedy.
The tribunal in Southampton heard Apter made the hotel comment during a staff “huddle” before the ceremony in January 2020.
His colleagues were left feeling “awkward” by the remark, which the panel heard was “sexual in nature”.
The tribunal was told Apter also allegedly touched a woman’s bottom before asking her: “IS that OK?”
The former officer denied touching the woman inappropriately and claimed he was scratching her back after she “light-heartedly” told him it was itchy.
Apter is also accused of making a sexual comment to a pregnant federation member of staff.
Barrister Cecily White said the accusations demonstrate a clear “pattern of behaviour”.
The panel was told Apter was suspended by the Police Federation in December 2021 following accusations over his conduct on four occasions that year.
He was also suspended from duty by Hampshire Constabulary.
Apter led the Police Federation of England and Wales, which represents more than 130,000 officers from the rank of constable to chief inspector.
He was being investigated over two potential allegations of sexual assault but the criminal case was dropped.
Apter denies the allegations and the tribunal continues.