Police officer and PCSO dismissed over vigilante murder misconduct

Updated
Ebrahimi Case: Police Officer & PCSO Convicted of Misconduct
Ebrahimi Case: Police Officer & PCSO Convicted of Misconduct

A police officer and a community support officer convicted of misconduct after the vigilante murder of a disabled man have been dismissed.

Pc Kevin Duffy, 52, and PCSO Andrew Passmore, 56, were found guilty of misconduct in a public office in connection with the death of Bijan Ebrahimi in Bristol in 2013.

Mr Ebrahimi, 44, was punched and kicked to death and his body set on fire by neighbour Lee James, who wrongly believed he was a paedophile.

Avon and Somerset Police today announced that both Duffy and Passmore have been dismissed from the force following misconduct hearings.

A spokesman said: "It was alleged that Pc Duffy breached the standards of professional behaviour in relation to his dealings with Bijan Ebrahimi between July 10-15 2013.

"Pc Duffy knew that, or ought to have known that, Mr Ebrahimi was at risk of harm.

"He failed to visit or otherwise make contact with Mr Ebrahimi and refused to speak to him on the telephone.

"As a result, Pc Duffy was convicted of misconduct in a public office on December 21, which has brought discredit to the constabulary.

"The allegations were upheld by the misconduct panel and, as a result, Pc Duffy was found guilty of gross misconduct.

"The ruling of the panel was that Pc Duffy be dismissed from Avon and Somerset police without notice.

"At a separate hearing earlier this week, PCSO Andrew Passmore was also dismissed in relation to this matter."

Duffy and Passmore are two of 18 officers and staff facing misconduct proceedings within the force. Of those, nine are accused of gross misconduct.

Pcs Leanne Winter, 38, and Helen Harris, 40, were each acquitted of a charge of misconduct in a public office following the seven-week trial.

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