West Midlands Police officer PC McTernan has been dismissed without notice after being convicted of assaulting a woman in Bromsgrove. The incident occurred while he was off duty on May 25 last year. Following a trial at Kidderminsters Magistrates' Court in February 2026, he was found guilty of assault by beating and fined £1,000, with an additional £600 in compensation ordered.
Misconduct Hearing Findings
An accelerated misconduct hearing in May 2026 determined that McTernan's actions amounted to gross misconduct. Panel chair Debra Tedds stated: "Your conduct has brought discredit on you, West Midlands Police and the police service generally and has seriously undermined public confidence and trust in policing." The panel found breaches of professional behaviour standards, specifically regarding discreditable conduct.
Appeal and Response
McTernan does not accept the conviction and has lodged an appeal, scheduled for hearing in September 2026. The panel noted that despite his long service and exemplary record, including numerous awards, immediate dismissal was the only appropriate outcome. Tedds added: "Violence against women and girls perpetrated by a police officer, whether on duty or off duty will always have a high degree of culpability and remains a significant concern for the public."
Impact on Public Trust
The panel emphasized the need for police officers to uphold high standards, stating: "There is a need for police officers to set and enforce high standards of behaviour and make clear to all police officers that conduct like this will not and cannot be tolerated." McTernan's conviction and dismissal highlight ongoing efforts to address misconduct within the force.
