POLICE INSPECTOR DISMISSED FOR SEX ASSAULTS ON COLLEAGUES IN GLASGOW AND EDINBURGH
A police officer from British Transport Police has been dismissed following allegations of sexual misconduct involving two colleagues at staff gatherings in Glasgow and Edinburgh.Inspector Ryan Tierney was removed from his position after a misconduct hearing conducted in August.
An independent panel determined that Tierney had sexually assaulted two women through unwanted physical contact while under the influence at work social events.
The report also stated that Tierney showed no remorse or regret for his actions and accused the women of fabricating the allegations.
The complaints originated in 2022 when it was revealed that Tierney was set to receive an award for 'male allyship' for supporting a female team member.
One woman claimed that Tierney made sexual remarks about her and assaulted her at Maggie May’s bar in Glasgow in December 2016, though she initially chose not to lodge a formal complaint.
This account was later validated by the panel’s findings.
Additionally, the panel found that Tierney sexually assaulted another female colleague during a Christmas work night out in Edinburgh at the Alexander Graham Bell Pub in December 2013.
During the event, he sat next to her and placed his hand on her bottom, despite her repeated verbal objections.
She subsequently reported the incident to Police Scotland in March 2023.
Tierney was also cleared of sexual assault charges in a criminal trial held at Glasgow Sheriff Court in 2024; nonetheless, the misconduct panel disregarded the acquittal, explaining that criminal proceedings and regulatory investigations serve different purposes and ask different questions.
After the hearing, Tierney was dismissed effective immediately.
Kam Saund, a professional standards officer, stated that the police force remains committed to investigating misconduct allegations thoroughly and ensuring accountability.
He condemned Tierney’s lack of remorse, asserting that such misconduct erodes public confidence in law enforcement.
The case’s severity underscores the force’s commitment to upholding integrity and public trust, leading to the officer’s dismissal for serious breaches of conduct.
