Ex-Police Sergeant Faces Public Hearing Over 2024 Discrimination Claim
A former North Somerset officer is scheduled to stand trial in November for conduct alleged at a team social event.
By Beatriz Soto ·
One former police sergeant faces a formal tribunal next week. Edward Ryan, who previously served in North Somerset, is set to appear before a misconduct panel. The hearing will take place on Monday, November 2, 2026.
The session begins at 10:00 a.m. at Avon and Somerset Police Headquarters. The location is on Valley Road in Portishead. Craig Holden, the hearing chair, has ordered that the proceedings be open to the public. This decision allows community members to observe the legal process directly.
Police documents identify specific professional standards Ryan allegedly violated. The notice cites failures in authority, respect, and courtesy. It also points to discreditable conduct. These rules form the core of the professional behavior code for police officers in England and Wales.
The allegations trace back to April 2024. At that time, Ryan was off duty. He attended a social gathering with his team. During the event, he is accused of behaving in a discriminatory manner. The notice does not specify the exact nature of the behavior in the summary, only the category of the breach.
If the panel finds the evidence sufficient, the case will be classified as gross misconduct. This designation typically carries severe professional consequences for the officer. The hearing follows the Police Conduct Regulations of 2020, which govern the disciplinary process for serving and former personnel.
