Deputy West Midlands PCC Yvonne Mosquito guilty of misconduct over murder victim family visit

Ms Mosquito, who denies wrongdoing, was suspended after it emerged she had visited Kenichi Phillips' family to pray with them after the 18-year-old was shot dead in Ladywood, Birmingham, in March.

It is understood she claims the visit was in a 'pastoral capacity and to pray with the family.'

But today, it was revealed and independent panel had decided that the Deputy Commissioner's actions represented serious misconduct.

In a statement today, the PCC's office said:

• The visit caused ongoing upset and distress to the family

• It damaged the family's relationship with police

• She has not apologised over the matter

The PCC's office said: "As she has not offered an apology, she remains suspended until her contract ends today."

Ms Mosquito's union today said they 'deplore the way that the hearing was held yesterday in her absence', and announced plans to appeal.

The role of deputy PCC is to be scrapped and replaced with two assistant PCC roles, David Jamieson said today.

But their combined allowances will be no more than the previous Deputy PCC salary of £65,000.

And six non-executive members of the Strategic Policing and Crime Board will also join his team to help scrutinise police work.

Mr Jamieson said: "I want to see as many people as possible from across the West Midlands apply for these vital positions. I want the board to reflect the people and communities it serves.

"I also want to see young people put themselves forward for these roles: the West Midlands is one of the youngest regions in Europe and I am keen for my office to reflect this and represent younger citizens."

PCC David Jamieson said: "An independent Disciplinary Panel met yesterday and heard all the evidence, including a substantial statement from Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Yvonne Mosquito.

"I have accepted the findings of the independent Disciplinary Panel.

"The Panel found that the Deputy Commissioner did not make the Force or the Office aware of the visit before or after it was made. The work of the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner must not interfere with the operational independence of policing. The panel found that the actions of the Deputy Commissioner clearly interfered with operational policing.

"The Panel found that, based on evidence submitted by both Kenichi Phillips' family and the Force, the visit caused ongoing upset and distress to the family and, at the time, damaged the relationship between the family and West Midlands Police in the middle of a complex and sensitive murder investigation.

"The family confirmed that they were made to feel that the Deputy Commissioner was in their home in an official capacity as she left her Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner business card with them, and sought to raise a range of issues that were not pastoral or spiritual.

"The family also confirmed that, despite being requested by the Deputy Commissioner to do so, they did not pray with her.

"On the basis of the Panel's findings, I have issued the Deputy Commissioner with a final written warning and asked her to apologise, in writing, both to the Force and the family. She has so far not done so.

"I am sorry that a member of my staff, the Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner, made the already complex job of the officers investigating this awful crime more difficult.

"More importantly still, I regret that the Deputy Commissioner broke the agreement that had been reached between the family and the Family Liaison Officers on how contact with the police would be conducted. I am thankful to the family for explaining how the visit made a difficult time much worse, caused them additional pain and grief, and was disrespectful.

"Again, I offer my deepest condolences for the tragic loss they have suffered."

Today, Unite regional officer Brian Rickers said: "We deplore the way that the hearing was held yesterday in Yvonne Mosquito's absence and we can confirm that she will be appealing the decision.

"We are also appalled that the outcome of a confidential process has been made public.

"Unite did explain last week that Yvonne had asked for alternative dates as Caren Evans, the Unite regional officer representing her and who has detailed knowledge of this case, is on holiday abroad this week.

"It was Yvonne's right under section 10 of the Employment Relations Act 1999 to have the union representative of her choice to accompany her to a disciplinary meeting.

"Unite continues to strongly refute the allegations made regarding Yvonne Mosquito, which was the focus of yesterday's hearing."

Ms Mosquito was formerly vice-chairman of West Midlands Police Authority, where she served on several committees, including as chairman of the personnel committee and vice-chairman of the equalities committee. She also represented West Midlands Police Authority at the national Association of Police Authorities.