EXCLUSIVE: An investigation into two suspended senior Gwent Police officers is to be considered by the Crown Prosecution Service.

The Independent Office of Police Conduct said its report into the suspensions of Chief Superintendent Mark Warrender and Chief Superintendent Marc Budden was in the process of being sent to the CPS.

Chief Superintendent Warrender, who oversaw policing for Caerphilly, and Chief Superintendent Budden, who was the force’s temporary assistant chief constable, were both suspended last year.

It followed an incident in Cardiff on June 28 last year at the retirement party of former Gwent Police Chief Constable Julian Williams.

Caerphilly Observer understands that an allegation of sexual assault was made against Mr Warrender, while Mr Budden was suspended over an allegation of misconduct in a public office.

Avon and Somerset Police carried out an investigation on behalf of the IOPC which was completed in July this year.

In a statement to Caerphilly Observer, the IOPC said: “The investigation carried out by Avon and Somerset Police, managed by the IOPC, into the conduct of senior Gwent Police officers associated with an event in Cardiff on June 28 last year has concluded.

“Since completion of the investigation in July this year, we have decided to refer the matter to the Crown Prosecution Service to consider whether any criminal charge should be brought against any officer.

“Relevant material, including the investigation report, is in the process of being sent to the CPS for their consideration.”

When asked by Caerphilly Observer how long this process would take, the CPS said it was a matter for the IOPC, which was unable to give a specific date.

Mr Budden joined the police in 1993, and was in charge of neighbourhood policing, partnerships and uniform operations at Gwent Police before rising to temporary assistant chief constable.

Mr Warrender joined Gwent Police in 1996 and was the divisional commander for the force’s west policing area which covers Blaenau Gwent, Caerphilly and Torfaen.

Gwent Police has confirmed the officers remain suspended pending the outcome of the investigation.