A bid by the chief constable of Avon and Somerset Police to block the recruitment of his replacement was thrown out by a high court judge on Tuesday (January 8th).
Colin Port claimed he had been “unlawfully induced to retire” by recently-elected Police and Crime Commissioner Sue Mountstevens.
It follows his refusal to re-apply for his own job last November.
“I’m extremely sorry that Mr Port’s career has ended in such an unsatisfactory way,” Mr Justice Edwards-Stuart said.
Mr Port had asked the High Court to block the interview process for his replacement and to insist on six months’ notice before the interview procedure took place.
Refusing permission for a judicial review of the PCC’s decision, the judge said the interests of the Avon and Somerset force “must come first”.
Speaking outside court, Mr Port said he had “lost on a technicality” and was considering appealing. He added: “This was never about me but wider policing.”
Ms Mountstevens said she was “delighted” with the decision.
A spokesperson for the PCC’s office added: “The judge rejected Mr Port’s complaints in law, found that they were not even arguable and dismissed the case.”
“We are going ahead with the process to recruit a chief constable and we are holding our interviews this week to appoint the best candidate for Avon and Somerset.”
“Colin Port has served the Constabulary and the communities of Avon and Somerset with distinction and we wish him every success in the future.”
Earlier on Tuesday the Royal Courts of Justice heard that Mr Port felt “humiliated” by his PCC.
Mr Port’s lawyer Mike O’Brien argued the “arbitrary decision” by the PCC should have been scrutinised by Police Crime Panel.
Lawyers acting for Ms Mountstevens responded by telling the judge she acted within the law.
