Police officer hit with disciplinary action after pulling a sickie to go and watch the races
Local authorities said they 'will not tolerate behaviour that undermines the integrity of the force and brings the hard work of the many into disrepute.'
A British police officer has been charged with gross misconduct after pulling a sickie in order to go and watch the horse racing.
Former PC Kiara Wealls called in sick when she was due to work a late shift on 24 June this year, only to have been found at the races and embroiled in an “altercation” with other members of the public.
Wealls, who resigned a month later, attended the event at Newmarket Racecourse in Suffolk with a group of friends and was ultimately reported back to the Essex Police force following her behaviour.
Following a hearing, she was found to have breached standards of discreditable conduct and would have been dismissed following the disciplinary action had she not already resigned.
Chief Constable Ben-Julian Harrington, who oversaw the hearing, said in a statement: “When a member of Essex Police needs to report sick because they are unwell there is rightly trust and understanding that they will use this period to get well to return to duty.
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“Ms Wealls abused this trust and attended a social event with friends.
“Essex Police will support staff who are ill, but we will not tolerate behaviour that undermines the integrity of the force and brings the hard work of the many into disrepute.”
Moreover, it would seem that beyond racehorses passing the finishing posts, there have been other law enforcement crossing the thin blue line as similar controversy was sparked at Newmarket back in 2016.
34-year-old PC David Parker, based out of Bow, east London, was caught being abusive to staff and colleagues at a stag do, before resisting arrest and finally being sacked.
We know everyone’s pulled a sickie in their time but it’s not exactly the best advert for UK police, is it?
Peter Kay announces four intimate charity shows in Greater Manchester – but only for these postcodes
Emily Sergeant
Peter Kay has just announced four intimate shows to raise money for a very worthy cause… but you can only get tickets if you live in these particular postcodes.
Comedy legend Peter Kay is set to return home to the Bolton Albert Halls for four very special hometown shows in this summer, marking his first performances at the venue more than two decades.
Taking to the very stage where he recorded the UK’s biggest-selling stand-up DVD, it’s set to be a proper nostalgic homecoming for one of Britain’s most beloved comedians.
The summer shows – which are taking place from 9 – 11 July 2026, even including a matinee performance – this is a rare chance for local fans to be part of something incredibly special, with all funds raised going to Bolton Hospice.
But, there’s a bit of a catch… you’ll only be able to get tickets if you live in Bolton (and some parts of Bury), as it’s strictly limited to BL postcodes.
Peter Kay Live at the Bolton Albert Halls – 2026 Dates
Thursday 9 July (Evening)
Friday 10 July (Evening)
Saturday 11 July (Matinee)
Saturday 11 July (Evening)
Tickets officially go on sale Friday 24 April at 10am, and you can get your hands on them here.
Featured Image – Supplied
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Seven in 10 NHS workers think the health service is ‘poorly prepared’ for another pandemic
Emily Sergeant
A new survey has revealed that seven in 10 NHS workers believe the health service is ‘poorly prepared’ for another pandemic if one should arise.
After the recent meningitis B outbreak in Kent last month raised the conversation of mass contagion once again, of course following the COVID-19 pandemic, a new YouGov survey of more than 1,000 NHS workers has now uncovered how well prepared staff in the health service think it is for another global pandemic.
The results show that 69% of staff surveyed think the health service is ‘poorly prepared’ for another pandemic, and to make matters worse, 26% of those even say it’s ‘very poorly’ prepared.
Only one in five (22%) think the NHS is could properly handle another pandemic, but statistically, YouGov claims none of those surveyed said it’s ‘very well’ prepared.
Seven in 10 NHS workers think the health service is ‘poorly prepared’ for another pandemic / Credit: Pxhere | Rawpixel
When workers were asked how the NHS’s level of preparedness now compares to prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, 41% did concede that they think it is better prepared now than 2020, however 37% admitted they think it’s no better prepared.
16% actively think it’s less well-prepared now than it was prior to 2020.
This marked a new era of ‘transparency’ and ‘accountability’ in the NHS, with the league tables delivering on the Government’s promise to drive up standards, tackle variation in care, and ensure people get the high-quality service they rightly expect.
Every trust in England – from urgent and emergency care, through to elective operations and mental health services – will now be ranked quarterly against ‘clear and consistent’ standards.
Danny Jones -
25th October 2022 
