A senior police officer has retired just hours before a disciplinary hearing that found him guilty of gross misconduct. Rob Cousen, who was the commander of Greater Manchester Police's Tameside division, did not attend the hearing held at the force's headquarters. The panel concluded that Cousen's actions were "sexually motivated throughout" and involved pursuing an inappropriate relationship with a junior female colleague over an extended period.

Cousen, who earned approximately £100,000 a year as a chief superintendent, was suspended in October 2022. During the hearing, John Beggs KC, representing the chief constable, detailed how Cousen had engaged in inappropriate behaviour towards the female officer. He had obtained her personal phone number and sent her flirtatious texts, seeking to meet her outside of work hours.

The KC noted that Cousen had contacted the officer while under the influence of alcohol or in the company of friends. Additionally, he offered her a temporary promotion to a higher rank, despite her not requesting it and lacking the necessary qualifications.

Cousen's misconduct included sending unsolicited photos of his genitals and his face to the officer on multiple occasions. Beggs stated that Cousen's actions represented a significant breach of integrity, authority, respect, and courtesy. He emphasised that the former officer displayed a lack of self-control and respect for his colleague.

The hearing determined that Cousen would have faced dismissal had he not retired just before the proceedings began. His retirement at midnight, approximately ten hours prior to the hearing, meant he was no longer a police officer by the time the panel convened.