Cleared police chief faces four more allegations

A Deputy Chief Constable who was cleared yesterday of indecently assaulting two women faces new allegations of sexual harassment from four more police civilian employees.

A Deputy Chief Constable who was cleared yesterday of indecently assaulting two women faces new allegations of sexual harassment from four more police civilian employees.

Although Ian Beckett, 54, was found not guilty by a jury at Southwark Crown Court of molesting two civilian administrative workers at Surrey Police's headquarters near Guildford, he now faces disciplinary action over complaints by other women at the headquarters.

It is understood that the women claim Mr Beckett used "inappropriate" sexual language, and in one case he is accused of touching one of the complainants.

The new allegations, which were obtained during a criminal investigation overseen by the Police Complaints Authority, have been sent to Surrey Police Authority. They date back to 1991 when Mr Beckett joined the Surrey force. The police authority will examine the claims on Monday. It may also consider the accusations made by the two women who were the subjects of the criminal trial. The authority has the power to sack Mr Beckett if it believes the allegations are true.

Mr Beckett, who is suspended from his job, attempted to commit suicide two days before his original trial was due to start in March.

He was found unconscious after having taken an overdose of pills and whisky. An order by the trial judge prevented thejurors being told until after the trial.