Northamptonshire Police officer convicted of assault 'would have been dismissed' had he not already resigned

Daryl Day was sentenced at Leicester Magistrates’ Court on June 10, after he was found guilty of assault by beating, following a trial.

He received a community order with a rehabilitation activity requirement and a requirement to complete 300 hours unpaid work. He was also ordered to pay costs to Crown Prosecution Service of £650 and a victim surcharge of £114.

Following the sentencing, Day was subject to a gross misconduct disciplinary hearing on Friday December 12, held at Northamptonshire Police headquarters.

The special constable resigned from Northamptonshire Police on October 24, 2025, and did not attend the hearing. He had previously admitted the allegation in writing.

The hearing heard that the offence relates to an incident that was investigated after a 999 call was received passing information that the officer, who was intoxicated a the time, had assaulted a woman.

Chief Constable Ivan Balhatchet said: “It is entirely contrary to the fundamental principles of the police service that an officer should break the law. The police carry out their duties with the consent of the public.

"They enforce the law in part because the police service carries the moral authority to enable it to do so. That moral authority is weakened by an officer who offends against the criminal law.”

The hearing report also notes the “aggravating factor” that the officer forced the victim to go through a trial before the magistrates and did not accept responsibility, which would have “compounded pressure on the victim and must have had an additional adverse affect upon her”.

Chief Constable Ivan Balhatchet added: “I consider the conduct to be utterly appalling. Men who are violent towards women have no place in policing and no place in the organisation that I serve. They should always face the full extent of the law.”

The panel concluded that the conduct amounted to gross misconduct, and discreditable conduct, and had Day still been a serving officer, he would have been dismissed. He has also been placed on the police barred list.

Day has the right to appeal the decision made by the panel.