A young police officer, a mother to a little girl, is fighting to save her career after a night she barely remembers threatens to unravel her dream. 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 weight of the situation, she confessed, has been overwhelming, consuming her thoughts from the moment she wakes until she sleeps.
The panel heard testimony from another officer, PC B, who alleges Pritchard groped him while he was waiting for a drink, and again in the smoking area. He described feeling “humiliated” by the unwanted advances, 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 shown to the disciplinary panel depicted Pritchard “twerking” on the dance floor, adding another layer to the complex 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,” a statement she now vehemently denies, asserting she is straight. This contradiction further complicates the picture presented to the disciplinary panel.
Suspended during her probationary period, Pritchard pleaded with the panel, expressing her fear of losing everything she’s worked for. She spoke of letting down not only the police force and her family, but most importantly, her young daughter. Her voice broke as she emphasized the constant weight of the situation on her mind.
The hearing, chaired by Assistant Chief Constable Chris Allsop, continues in Colwyn Bay, with Pritchard steadfastly denying breaching professional standards and allegations of gross misconduct. The outcome will determine whether a promising career is salvaged or tragically cut short.
