A county police officer who botched procedures on a report of domestic abuse has been dismissed without notice – and barred for life from the force.

In December 2022 PC Stuart Fadden, formerly of Thames Valley Police, oversaw an investigation into reports a man physically assaulted, stalked and stole items from a woman he knew.

PC Fadden had been supported by two different sergeants who on separate occasions gave him clear action plans to follow. Both action plans highlighted the need for PC Fadden to meet the victim in person and take a formal statement from her.

But instead of following his orders, Fadden called the woman nine months later, claiming there was "insufficient evidence" — without any face-to-face meeting of the victim. He then falsely reported to the police's Criminal Justice Department she had withdrawn her complaint.

The victim subsequently called the Force Control Room to complain.

On Wednesday April 30, PC Fadden was found to have breached the standards of professional behaviour relating to Orders and Instructions; Honesty and Integrity and Discreditable Conduct following a three-day misconduct hearing at Police Headquarters.

The hearing's panel concluded the breaches amounted to gross misconduct and PC Fadden was subsequently dismissed without notice. He has also been added to the Police Barred List.

Deputy Chief Constable Katy Barrow-Grint said: "PC Fadden did not have the authority to file the case yet told the victim there wasn't enough evidence to charge the man she reported had assaulted and stalked her.

"Not only did he fail to follow the directions of his supervisors meaning he carried out a poor investigation, he further traumatised a vulnerable woman who looked to him to help her.

"It's critical our officers support victims and carry out inquiries thoroughly and as a expeditiously as possible."

The dismissal has been broadly welcomed by campaign groups who claim systemic failures in policing are putting women in danger. A 2022 report from the Centre for Women's Justice found only 40% of police-perpetrated domestic abuse cases led to internal investigations, while Women's Aid is calling for more specialised officer training to reduce the incidence where survivors' reports are dismissed or mishandled.

The previous government's Domestic Abuse Act 2021 sought to improve victim support, but campaigners say alarming gaps remain between policy and real-world policing.