A young police officer, a mother to a little girl, is fighting to save her dream job after a night she barely remembers threatens to unravel her life. Cleared of any criminal wrongdoing, PC Pritchard now faces accusations of gross misconduct stemming from an end-of-year party at a local rugby club.
The hearing revealed a night of alleged inappropriate behavior, including claims of unwanted physical contact and a highly visible display on the dance floor. Pritchard, who joined the North Wales force in 2023, tearfully apologized for her actions, expressing deep remorse and stating she was “absolutely mortified” by the allegations.
She insists the accusations don’t reflect who she is, claiming she doesn’t recognize the person depicted in the CCTV footage. Pritchard maintains any contact was accidental, not sexual, and attributes her behavior to being “clearly very intoxicated.”
The panel heard testimony from another officer, known only as PC B, who alleges Pritchard groped him twice – once while he waited for a drink and again in the smoking area. He described feeling “humiliated” by the encounters, detailing instances of her hand being placed on his genitals.
Pritchard’s barrister countered these claims, suggesting PC B had been “teasing her and interfering in her love life” throughout the evening. CCTV footage showed a consensual kiss with PC B, adding another layer of complexity to the narrative.
Adding to the confusion, Pritchard reportedly told another officer at the party, “I’m the biggest lesbian here and I’ll fight any man,” despite identifying as straight to the disciplinary panel. This statement further fueled questions about her state of mind that night.
Suspended during her probationary period, Pritchard broke down in tears, expressing the devastating impact this ordeal has had on her and her family. “I’ve let down the police force, myself, my friends and family, and most of all I’ve let down my little girl,” she sobbed.
The disciplinary panel, chaired by Assistant Chief Constable Chris Allsop, is now tasked with determining whether Pritchard’s actions constitute gross misconduct, potentially ending a career she described as a lifelong ambition. The hearing continues, leaving her future hanging in the balance.
