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The former head of the Police Federation won’t be prosecuted over allegations of sexual assault, Sky News has learnt.

John Apter, who was chairman of the organisation that represents more than 130,000 officers, faced a criminal investigation over two claims of sexual misconduct made against him.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) now says Mr Apter will not be charged over the allegations – but the police watchdog has confirmed he will face a misconduct hearing over potential breaches of “professional standards of behaviour”.

Mr Apter was suspended by the Police Federation and by Hampshire Constabulary in December 2021. He announced his retirement from the force in April last year.

A CPS spokeswoman told Sky News: “We have carefully reviewed evidence relating to two allegations of sexual assault following an investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

“The case failed to meet our legal test for a prosecution.

“The complainants have received a full explanation in writing and have been informed of the victims’ right to review.”

Mr Apter was a high-profile police figure and was described as a “friend” by Priti Patel when she was home secretary.

The allegations against him related to four alleged breaches of professional standards in 2021, the latest of which was reported to be at a bravery awards ceremony.

A criminal investigation was carried out into claims of sexual touching on two of those occasions.

‘Indication of gross misconduct’

Following the CPS’s decision not to prosecute Mr Apter, the IOPC said it was liaising with Hampshire Constabulary as the force “arranges a misconduct hearing”.

The police watchdog said it had “found an indication of gross misconduct for potential breaches of the police professional standards of behaviour relating to authority, respect and courtesy; equality and diversity; and conduct”.

An IOPC spokesperson told Sky News: “We completed our investigation in June 2022 into allegations relating to the conduct of a, now retired, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary police officer.

“We referred a file of evidence to the Crown Prosecution Service to consider two counts of sexual assault contrary to section 3 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003.

“We were notified this week that the CPS, having reviewed the evidence, has decided it did not meet the threshold for prosecution.

“We have notified the parties involved.”

Hampshire Constabulary declined to comment. Sky News has approached the Police Federation for a response.

Mr Apter – who had been an officer since 1992 – was elected chairman of the Police Federation of England and Wales in July 2018.

He had spoken out against the use of sexist nicknames as part of a canteen culture in the police after the murder of Sarah Everard by serving officer Wayne Couzens.

Mr Apter wrote in the Sunday Times in October 2021: “We need to consign to the history books some of our canteen culture where sexist nicknames and derogatory remarks are made. When banter crosses the line to become sexist, derogatory or homophobic, that’s when it ceases to be banter.”

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Murder arrest after woman stabbed to death in Enfield – as victim named

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Murder arrest after woman stabbed to death in Enfield - as victim named

A woman who was stabbed to death in north London has been named by police – as a man was arrested on suspicion of murder.

Pamela Munro, 45, was found with a stab wound and died at the scene in Ayley Croft, Enfield, on Saturday evening, the Metropolitan Police said.

A 29-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder on Monday and is in custody, the force added.

Detective Chief Inspector Neil John said: “Investigating officers have worked relentlessly across the weekend to investigate the circumstances around Pamela’s death.

“We continue to support her family who are understandably devastated.”

GVs from SN footage on 20/04/2025 at scene of murder on 19/04/2025 of woman at Gainsborough House, Ayley Croft, Enfield in north London.
Ingest 25 NM25 SKY SAF ENFIELD MURDER GVS ENFIELD 2045
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Police at the scene at Ayley Croft in Enfield

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The Met Police has asked anyone with information or who was driving through Ayley Court between 6.30pm and 7.30pm on Saturday and may have dashcam footage to contact the force.

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‘British man’ dies after being dragged out of police station in Ecuador – reports

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'British man' dies after being dragged out of police station in Ecuador - reports

A “British man” has died after being beaten and set on fire by a mob in Ecuador, according to reports by media in the South American country.

According to reports, the man – who has not been officially identified – had been detained by police after being accused of being involved in a fatal shooting.

Ecuadorian news outlet Ecuavisa reported that the man had been taken to a police station Playas del Cuyabeno, a remote village in the Amazon rainforest.

While there, a group broke into the station and took the man away. He was then set on fire in the street, it is reported, and died from his burns.

Playas del Cuyabeno
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The incident reportedly happened in the Playas del Cuyabeno area of Sucumbios province

Another local report, from EXTRA.ec, said that specialist police units had been slow to arrive due to the geographical conditions of the area – which is accessible by river.

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According to reports, police officers at the station apparently decided they could not intervene when the mob arrived out of concerns for their own safety.

It is understood the UK Foreign Office is following up reports about the incident and working with local authorities to confirm the details.

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Three men charged over death of woman struck by van at golf course after police chase

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Three men charged over death of woman struck by van at golf course after police chase

Three men have been charged with manslaughter over the death of a woman who was struck by a van at a golf course following a police pursuit.

Suzanne Cherry died in hospital four days after she was struck by the vehicle on the morning of 11 April.

Two police cars had been following a grey Nissan van in Lichfield, Birmingham, after receiving reports of suspicious activity, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said.

However, they stopped chasing the van when it went off-road and up an embankment at Aston Wood Golf Club, where it hit Ms Cherry, of Aldridge, Walsall.

West Midlands Police said John McDonald, 51, of Bloxwich, has been charged with manslaughter, assault by beating and failing to stop a vehicle when directed by a constable.

Johnny McDonald, 22, of Dudley, and Brett Delaney, 34, of Darlaston, Walsall, have also been charged with manslaughter.

They are due to appear at North Staffordshire Justice Centre on 21 April.

Three other men who had been arrested have been bailed with conditions.

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Following Ms Cherry’s death, her husband paid tribute to his “beautiful wife” and described how he watched in “helpless horror” during the incident.

“Suzanne leaves a legacy and an unfillable void in the lives of her mother Maureen, her three adult children, two step-children and countless others from her work, her sporting activities and social circle,” he added.

The IOPC continues to investigate the circumstances prior to the crash.

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