Detective’s Blunders Leave Victims in the Lurch
Detective Constable Philip Payton of Humberside Police caused major delays in investigations after a bungled handling of cases involving vulnerable victims. A misconduct hearing found his mistakes so severe, they stalled justice and risked letting serious crimes go unpunished.
IOPC Slams Payton for Gross Misconduct
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) investigated six cases overseen by Payton between 2015 and 2017. Their findings revealed gross misconduct and a catalogue of errors that put victims at risk.
“DC Payton’s handling of these investigations fell so far below the standards of what members of the public are entitled to expect and his failures have had a devastating impact on the families involved,” said Miranda Biddle, IOPC regional director.
“His incompetence might have resulted in serious crimes going unpunished if not for colleagues stepping in. He has taken no responsibility, and such behaviour shatters public trust. There is no place for him in policing.”
IOPC’s Damning List of Failures
- Dishonest updates given to victims’ families and colleagues
- Missed key evidence and incorrectly logged serious crimes including sexual assault and rape
- Only prosecuted suspects after a new detective was assigned
- Approved return of suspected rapist’s property despite clear evidence of child indecent images
- Failed to properly handle or submit case files in sexual abuse investigations
- Claimed to feel “unsupported and overworked” while applying for extra responsibilities
Payton Resigns – But Dismissal Loomed
Payton quit his post in March before being formally dismissed without notice. The two-day misconduct hearing found him in breach of police standards around duties, authority, honesty, and respect.
The IOPC confirmed Humberside Police are carrying out internal reviews and have introduced stricter supervision to prevent such catastrophic failures happening again.
