A female police officer is facing gross misconduct charges after allegedly groping two male colleagues, propositioning one for sex, and sending him an intimate photo during a drunken work night out at Wetherspoons, a misconduct hearing has heard.
PC Tia Johnson-Warne, a former Red Funnel employee, allegedly made sexually provocative advances towards two male officers—identified only as PC A and PC B—while socialising at Wetherspoons in Ryde.
Allegations of Sexual Misconduct
During the misconduct hearing, held at the Holiday Inn in Eastleigh, the panel was told that PC Johnson-Warne, who was in her mid-20s at the time, first made inappropriate advances toward PC A.
- She grabbed his knee before moving her hand up to his thigh while they sat in a booth.
- Feeling uncomfortable, PC A excused himself to go to the bathroom and later moved away from her.
- However, she allegedly sent him explicit messages, including asking, “Don’t you want to fk me?”**, before sending him a photo of herself in her underwear.
- PC A attempted to deflect her advances by reminding her that she was dating another officer, PC Kane Brookes, who was also present that evening.
Later, PC Johnson-Warne allegedly rubbed her hand over the crotch of PC B for approximately 20 seconds.
PC B told the hearing that the officers were so intoxicated that the pub staff refused to serve them any more drinks.
The misconduct panel also heard that while on the way home from the pub, PC Johnson-Warne tried to pull PC A’s hand under her clothing while they were in the back of a car together.
Officer Faces Gross Misconduct Charges
PC Johnson-Warne admits messaging and touching PC A but claims it was merely “flirting” and was not unwelcome. However, she denies sexually touching PC B.
The officer is also facing separate gross misconduct allegations related to striking PC Brookes after their relationship ended and breaching bail conditions related to that incident. She denies hitting her former partner but admits breaching bail.
Hearing Panel: Actions Were ‘Plainly Inappropriate’
Alan Jenkins, representing Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary, said PC Johnson-Warne’s actions were completely unacceptable, stating:
“The allegations against PC Johnson-Warne concern her sexual attentions towards two male colleagues, PC A and PC B, at a time when she was heavily intoxicated.
“For an officer to sexually touch colleagues in such a manner that they feel uncomfortable is plainly inappropriate.
“The issue of gender is immaterial… whether a male officer touches a female colleague without consent or a female officer touches a male colleague does not matter for these purposes.
“Alcohol consumption, particularly if excessive, does not provide any excuse or justification for any touching that is unwelcome or unwanted.”
Hearing Continues
The misconduct hearing is ongoing, and a final decision on PC Johnson-Warne’s future within the force is yet to be made.
If found guilty of gross misconduct, she could face dismissal from the police force.
This case has raised broader discussions about professionalism, conduct, and accountability within policing, regardless of gender.
