Married police superintendent, 41, in charge of Britain's bird protection unit is sacked for sending sex texts on work phone even though tribunal finds his affair with colleague was 'not inappropriate'

A married police superintendent at the head of Britain’s bird protection unit has been sacked for 'sexting' from his work phone and lying about an affair with a colleague.

Nick Lyall, who lead the Raptor Persecution Priority Delivery Group, was twice quizzed by senior officers about his relationship with a police staff member.

But after twice denying the affair, which bosses at Bedfordshire Police feared may have been been 'inappropriate' due to his rank and influence, the high-ranking officer later admitted the affair.

A three-week tribunal also heard how Mr Lyall had 'engaged in sexualised text messaging' on his work phone.

But while a misconduct panel found the relationship was 'not inappropriate', the hearing ruled Mr Lyall's actions amounted to gross misconduct. 

Mr Lyall has now resigned from the force. 

Nick Lyall , who leads the Raptor Persecution Priority Delivery Group, which battles the illegal persecution of birds of prey in England and Wales, twice lied when quizzed by senior officers about his relationship with a police staff member, a tribunal heard

A three-week tribunal also heard how Mr Lyall had 'engaged in sexualised text messaging' on his work phone

A spokesperson for Bedfordshire Police said today: 'During the initial hearing, the panel was told Mr Lyall was asked about an alleged affair with a member of police staff in a meeting with senior colleagues who had concerns it was an abuse of his rank and influence.

'He initially denied the relationship and then went on to repeat the lie to a further two senior officers in the following days.

'He subsequently admitted the relationship and claimed he had lied because he panicked when questioned.

'While the relationship was not deemed inappropriate by the misconduct panel, they concluded that the lies each breached the standards of behaviour for honesty, integrity and discreditable conduct, which amounted to gross misconduct.'

Addressing the sexting allegations, the spokesperson added: 'Further to this, he was alleged to have engaged in sexualised text messaging on his work phone. 

'The panel heard he had wiped the phone in a bid to cover up the communications.

'This was found to be discreditable conduct, which amounted to gross misconduct. The panel found each breach would have amounted to dismissal for gross misconduct - cumulatively and on their own merit

'A further two charges were dismissed during the hearing.'

Temporary Assistant Chief Constable Sharn Basra said: 'Integrity is imperative in policing as the public expect our officers to be honest and trustworthy in everything they do.  

'We also have a duty of care to protect our officers and staff from those who might seek to abuse their own rank or position of authority, which is why the initial allegations were taken so seriously and an investigation was launched.

Mr Lyall, who was suspended on full pay following the allegations, was the most prominent face in Britain’s battle with the illicit slaying of birds of prey and has been a police officer for nearly 20 years and was formerly with Northamptonshire Police

'That investigation has shown Mr Lyall's behaviour fell well short of the standards we expect, particularly from one of our senior leaders, and the panel had little option but to recommend a sanction of immediate dismissal.'

Mr Lyall, who was suspended on full pay following the allegations, was the most prominent face in Britain’s battle with the illicit slaying of birds of prey and has been a police officer for nearly 20 years and was formerly with Northamptonshire Police. 

He liaised with wildlife groups around Britain and regional police forces to help prevent birds of prey being slaughtered. 

He took over his role in September 2018 as head of the Raptor Group which is one of six UK Wildlife Conservation Priorities.

Days before his suspension he said the lockdown had provided ‘a green light for those involved in raptor persecution to continue their killing’.

He stated he was particularly concerned the shooting, poisoning and trapping of birds such as red kites and buzzards and that there were several investigations underway to net the culprits.

He had also campaigned for the safety of sea and golden eagles and hen harriers and warned that successful prosecutions ‘should remind those that kill our amazing birds that their time getting away with it is coming to an end’.

Mr Lyall said he had been ‘sickened’ by the increase in crimes against birds of prey during the Covid-19 lockdown.

‘It is clear that lockdown has been seen as a green light by those involved in raptor persecution offences to continue committing crimes, presumably in the belief that there are fewer people around to catch them doing so’.

Bedfordshire police said: ‘Supt Lyall has been suspended following an internal investigation.

‘He has appealed that suspension and a decision will be made in due course. He will face a hearing at a date to be decided. He is not facing any criminal charges.’