Former Northamptonshire Police officer would have been dismissed over sexual assaults, hearing finds
Former PC Gareth Middleton resigned the day before a gross misconduct hearing
Last updated 5th Mar 2026
A gross misconduct hearing has found an officer at Northamptonshire Police would have been dismissed without notice over two sexual assaults, if he hadn't resigned.
Former PC Gareth Middleton was convicted of the offences in November and December last year.
He received a community order, unpaid work, 10 days' rehabilitation and fines of more than £2,000.
He was also placed on the Sex Offenders' Register for five years.
Former PC Middleton resigned the day before the hearing on 4 March, but would have been dismissed for discreditable conduct if still serving.
He did not attend the hearing.
Chief Constable Ivan Balhatchet said:
“I have no hesitation in finding that the disciplinary action would have been imposed had the officer not resigned.
"The only sanction that could have preserved confidence in the Police Service in this case would have been dismissal without notice.”
“This conduct is utterly appalling and reprehensible and there can be no place in the Police Service for men that behave in this way.
"I also thank the victims in this case for coming forward and reporting these abhorrent crimes.”