Lawyers for police inspector & former officer question why Richard Ullger remains as Commissioner; Ullger 'confident' he's acted correctly at all times

Lawyers acting for a police inspector and former officer, both of whom face various charges, have questioned why Commissioner Richard Ullger remains in post.

Defence lawyers have written to the Governor, the Police Authority and the Crown questioning why Mr Ullger has not been interdicted following evidence which emerged in court but which is currently being reviewed.

Commissioner of Police, Richard Ullger says he's confident he's acted correctly at all times.

He questions the motives behind the complaint and the wish to make it public.

The situation has developed as a result of Inspector Sean Picton and former police officer Anthony Bolaños appearing in court.

37-year-old Mr Bolaños faces charges of Aiding and Abetting Misconduct in Public Office while Mr Picton, who is 35, faces charges of Misconduct in Public Office and Unauthorised Access of Computer Material. They deny the charges.

But during a hearing last week both defendants raised concerns and alleged that, in an unrelated case, Police Commissioner Richard Ullger shared sensitive information with the wife of a defendant.

As reported by GBC, this evidence has been disclosed to Judge Justice Happold who adjourned the case to allow the Crown, and a UK independent team, time to review the new evidence.

Whilst this is happening the defence lawyers have stepped up the pressure.

GBC has seen the letter which asks:

Why the Commissioner has not been interdicted immediately and then investigated (in the same way as their clients.)

That the investigation not be handed to former Senior Investigating Officer John McVea or any member of his team.

They claim Mr McVae was given the evidence in January 2024.

For his part, Police Commissioner , Richard Ullger says he hasn't seen any letter, nor has he been made aware of the contents of the letter referred to.

In answer to GBC questions, he says the matter relates to an untrue allegation by the wife of a defendant in a criminal case. Mr Ullger adds given he's the subject of the matter complained of, he's recused himself from any inquiry into it and the RGP will adopt its procedures to ensure the inquiry quite properly proceeds independently.

Mr Ullger, who's due to retire early next year, says he has no further comment to make except to say he's perfectly comfortable that at all times he has acted correctly in his role as Commissioner of Police, and will continue to do so. He adds the merits of any complaint, or the motives of the complainant, or others in making the complaint, or to bring publicity to it, or to letters reflecting it, will be a matter for others to consider.

GBC reached out for comment to the Director of Pubic Prosecutions Christian Rocca, who said his office does “not comment on the existence or contents of any correspondence passing between any parties in such instances.” The Police Authority has not wanted to comment.

We have received no response from the Office of the Governor.