Police officer loses job for crime committed when teen

outpouring of public sympathy cannot save man who covered up offences

By Samantha Chetwynd

Published:

OFF DUTY: Paul Geddes will appeal after being forced to resign from the police. David Whittaker-Smith

An Inverness police officer has lost his job because he concealed a criminal conviction dating back more than 17 years from his bosses.

Constable Paul Geddes, 36, was told he was “required to resign” by Northern Constabulary following an internal disciplinary hearing.

It is understood he will appeal against the ruling.

At a court hearing earlier this year he was convicted of fraud after he admitted failing to reveal convictions of forgery and theft when he applied to join the police force seven years ago.

Since then, locals have launched a petition calling for the popular beat officer to be reinstated.

Last night, Mr Geddes thanked them for their “overwhelming support”.

He said: “It would be inappropriate to comment at this stage as the full process has yet to be exhausted.

“However, I would like to voice my huge gratitude following the overwhelming support I have received from colleagues, friends, members of the public and allocated representatives.”

In May it emerged that Mr Geddes, of 53 Columba Road, served 90 days’ detention when he was 18 after being convicted of forgery and theft in 1991 while serving with the Royal Navy.

He was dismissed from the service.

His criminal past remained hidden until July last year when he was promoted to a seconded position with the Scottish Drugs Enforcement Agency. He was asked to complete a security check form and decided to come clean about his past. At Inverness Sheriff Court, Sheriff Derek Pyle admonished the officer, adding: “I don't think it is fair to condemn someone for the rest of their life on what they did when they were a teenager, however serious that was.”

Friends hoped the petition would put pressure on the police disciplinary panel not to sack him.

The call to save his job was also backed by publicans and bouncers who have dealt with the constable – a former door steward – on a regular basis.

A spokesman for the Scottish Police Federation, which represented Mr Geddes at the disciplinary hearing, refused to comment on the ruling.

He said: “We wish to recognise and thank all of those who voiced support for Paul. It was an unprecedented amount of support.”

One door steward, who did not want to be named, said: “Paul is the most well-kent face of the police force on our streets.

“Everyone knows who he is, given his burly physique. Paul has such a friendly nature. He can use his imposing size when needed, but never goes over the top.

“He has the nature to calm situations, which is brilliant when you consider some of the people he comes across late at night.”

Eric Laidlaw, of Lauders Pub on the city's Church Street, added: “I have known Paul since he was a doorman and a prison officer, as well as playing rugby with him.

“He will be a huge loss to Northern Constabulary and the community.

“I can understand how it would be a tricky one for Northern Constabulary to deal with as they have to be very guarded about setting a precedent.

“But, at the end of the day, Paul is a great cop and does his job extremely well.”

Andrea Skinner, of No 27 in Castle Street, added: “He is very well-liked and is the only policeman I know who kids look up to.”