Former Cheshire Police detective Robert Astbury put on Barred List

Cheshire Police have held an accelerated misconduct hearing into the behaviour of former detective Robert Astbury.

The 51-year-old resigned from the force after 20 years of service on July 15, the same day he was sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court for assaulting two former partners, as well as a charge of criminal damage.

For this, the Middlewich resident, who had previously worked as part of the Northwich LPU, was handed a suspended prison sentence.

However, in his findings, Chief Constable Mark Roberts believes Astbury was ‘extremely fortunate’ to avoid jail.

He said: “The constabulary has a clear approach to protecting those who suffer domestic abuse or harassment and it is essential for public confidence that that robust stance applies to our own people as well as the public.

“I am particularly disappointed that an officer with a long service history, and in a supervisory position, rather than acting as an exemplar to others has behaved so poorly, resulting in three criminal convictions.

“Such actions were despicable, cowardly and, from my perspective former Sergeant Astbury is extremely fortunate to not be in prison.

“I am acutely aware of the public concerns arising from police misconduct cases, that in this case is wholly justified.”

Robert Astbury of Occleston Place, Middlewich (Image: Alan Dempsey)

The criminal proceedings arose after a member of police staff who had previously been in a relationship with Astbury made allegations of domestic violence and coercive and controlling behaviour.

During the sentencing in July, prosecutor Henry Riding explained that Astbury’s two mobile phones were seized, with one revealing messages relating to two women.

The first assault happened between Christmas and New Year 2019.

Both Astbury and the victim had been drinking before he took hold of her head and bit her cheek.

At the end of 2022 Astbury entered into a relationship with another woman.

At his 50th birthday barbecue in June 2023, the woman passed her phone to Astbury to put on charge while she went to the bathroom.

Astbury checked her WhatsApp and found old messages from a previous relationship.

When she returned, Astbury went into a ‘total rage’, punching walls, shouting at the victim and pulling a hoodie off of her.

She went to pack a bag to leave, at which point Astbury pushed her into a wall and called  her ‘a s**g’. 

“He was in a complete frenzy and completely lost control,” added Mr Riding.

Astbury tried to stop the victim leaving the house and ripped her bag as she reached for the front door.

Judge David Potter sentenced Astbury to a total of nine months imprisonment, suspended for 18 months.

Astbury, of Occleston Place, was also ordered to carry out 120 hours of unpaid work and complete 30 days of the Building Better Relationships programme and 10 rehabilitation activity days.

The misconduct hearing was held on Thursday (August 29), with Chief Constable Roberts ruling that Astbury never be allowed to work in policing again.

He said: “It is my opinion based on the balance of probabilities that Sergeant Astbury has breached the standards of professional behaviour.

“I find that his conduct does amount to discreditable conduct and I find that in the circumstances this does amount to gross misconduct.

“I consider that dismissal without notice is the most appropriate sanction in this case, and that a result (former) Sergeant Astbury shall be placed on the Barred List, that will prevent his re-entry into the profession.”