Disgraced ex-Chief Constable is guilty of gross misconduct - and told he would've been sacked if he hadn't already quit

By ANDY DOLAN, GENERAL REPORTER Published: 14:28, 30 July 2026 | Updated: 14:38, 30 July 2026 The former Chief Constable of Staffordshire Police has been found guilty of gross misconduct and told he would have been sacked without notice if he hadn't already resigned. A police misconduct panel today found Chris Noble had breached Standards of Professional Behaviour. A misconduct panel, chaired by His Majesty's Inspector of Constabulary Kathryn Stone found that the breaches amounted to gross misconduct. Mr Noble resigned on Tuesday, on the eve of the two-day misconduct hearing. Reporting restrictions remain in place around the hearing at Yarnfield Park Conference Centre in Staffordshire, which Mr Noble did not attend. Mr Noble was suspended from his role in August last year after serious concerns were raised about his behaviour outside of work. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), which was leading the investigation, said at the time it was also probing allegations that Mr Noble shared confidential information without a policing purpose. In March it emerged the watchdog had launched two further probes - one of which related to his time as assistant chief constable of Humberside Police. Chris Noble was appointed Staffordshire Chief Constable in October 2021 and resigned on Tuesday A spokesman for the watchdog said at the time: 'The investigations relate to behaviour while on duty and/or on police premises while serving as assistant chief constable at Humberside Police in 2021, and during his time as chief constable with Staffordshire Police in 2024 and then in 2025.' Mr Noble submitted his letter of resignation to Staffordshire Commissioner for Police, Fire and Rescue and Crime Ben Adams.  Mr Adams said today: 'Public confidence in policing is vital, so all allegations of misconduct must be fully and independently investigated. That process must apply to everyone, regardless of rank or status. 'Now that this independent process has concluded, Staffordshire Police can move forward.  'The challenges facing the force, including those identified by His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services in its recent report, remain my focus. 'I will now take steps to bring the permanence and stability needed in the force's leadership, so we can continue improving services for the communities of Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent.' Mr Adams said last year his decision to suspend Mr Noble was a 'neutral act'.  He said: 'Public confidence in the police service is vital so all allegations of misconduct must be fully and independently investigated. 'In the interests of the public, Staffordshire Police and the chief constable himself, I have decided to suspend Mr Noble from his role pending the outcome of the IOPC's investigation. 'Suspension is a neutral act, to enable an independent and thorough investigation to take place. It has no bearing on any indication of guilt and should not be seen as such.' Mr Adams added: 'I know that this announcement will come as a shock to many across Staffordshire, especially our hard-working officers and staff, but it is right that allegations of this serious nature are dealt with consistently and investigated properly and thoroughly.' Mr Noble will now be included on the College of Policing’s barred list, preventing him being employed or appointed by a police force or other specified law enforcement body.