The chief constable of a police force was a volatile bully who humiliated his staff, a misconduct hearing has been told.

Simon Byrne, who was suspended from his role at Cheshire Constabulary last year, is accused of breaching the standards of professional behaviour in respect of authority, respect and courtesy, and discreditable conduct.

John Beggs QC, representing the office of Police and Crime Commissioner David Keane, told a misconduct hearing at Warrington Town Hall on Monday: "Mr Byrne, when chief constable of Cheshire, lacked self-control on a personal level and exhibited volatile, unpredictable and sometimes offensive behaviour towards subordinate officers and staff."

He said witnesses described Mr Byrne as having a tendency to undermine people and said he would rant inappropriately at staff from lower ranks.

Mr Beggs said: "He would berate them on occasions. He was demeaning in words and behaviour. In short, he humiliated people."