Adam Postans

A misconduct hearing was told that Avon and Somerset Police constable Chenise Austin allegedly exposed a colleague’s underwear and touched her inappropriately on multiple occasions in 2023, actions described by the presenting barrister as comparable to sexual assault. Austin denies wrongdoing and claims her behaviour was non‑sexual. The alleged victim, identified as Miss A, reportedly experienced distress but felt unable to challenge the behaviour at the time. All incidents were said to have occurred inside a police station, and the case proceeded after another officer reported the conduct.

Bristol City Council failed to include nearly £4m in printing and postage costs for clean air zone penalties in its contract with Xerox. A report to the council’s Strategy and Resources Committee shows the additional spending will continue through 2028, with higher postage prices and increased printing demand contributing to rising costs. The expenses are covered by income from CAZ fines and do not affect the wider council budget. Councillors plan to extend the current contract for a year while seeking a new supplier and increasing digital communication to reduce expenses.