AVON and Somerset’s Police and Crime Commissioner has apologised for telling chief constable Nick Gargan the identity of a whistleblower who alleged he made inappropriate advances to her.

Mr Gargan, who denies any wrongdoing, was told the woman had lodged a verbal complaint about him prior to his suspension in May.

He will find out by Monday whether PCC Sue Mountstevens plans to take the matter further after studying a report from the Independent Police Complaints Commission.

Ms Mountstevens admitted she discussed the complainant with Mr Gargan days before his suspension and “mentioned that a complaint had been made against him by that person”.

She added that at the time she was unaware of the full facts, but that she referred the matter to the IPCC and details of her conversation with Mr Gargan as soon as she realised the seriousness of the allegations.

Ms Mountstevens said: “A complaint about the disclosure of the name was subsequently made to the Police and Crime Panel, who looked into the matter and found that I had made a mistake.

“I agreed with their finding and I have already written to the individual concerned to apologise for the distress I caused.

“I firmly believe that everyone in public office needs to be held to the same high standard of conduct which is why I told the IPCC of my conversation before their investigation began.

“I have co-operated fully with the Police and Crime Panel’s investigation process.

“This was a new situation for me and, while I could have handled it better, I have learnt from it and employees within the constabulary can feel confident approaching me or my team if they have issues they feel uncomfortable raising elsewhere.

“There are a number of ways staff and officers can raise issues confidentially which include speaking to their line manager, reporting it to the Professional Standards department or by using an anonymous phone line or e-mail system.”