Disciplinary proceedings against two senior Gwent Police officers, who were suspended following an allegation of sexual assault, are due to begin in a matter of months.

Caerphilly Observer understands a hearing could be held as early as April, although this could change.

Chief Superintendent Mark Warrender, who oversaw policing for Caerphilly, and Chief Superintendent Marc Budden, who was the force’s temporary assistant chief constable, were both suspended in 2019.

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

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

In May last year the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) confirmed the pair would not face criminal charges after an investigation by the Independent Office of Police Conduct and Avon and Somerset Police.

Avon and Somerset Police carried out an investigation on behalf of the Independent Office for Police Conduct, which was completed in July 2019.

In May last year, an IOPC spokesperson confirmed disciplinary proceedings could still go ahead against the officers.

At the time the CPS said: “Following a referral of evidence by the IOPC regarding the alleged conduct on two senior police officers, the CPS has decided that our legal test is not met to charge them with any offence.

“We considered the offence of sexual assault against one officer, and the offences of misconduct in public office and the improper exercise of police powers against the second officer.

“The role of the CPS is to make fair and independent decisions based on the available evidence and the complainant has the right to seek a review of our decision under the CPS’s Victim’s Right to Review scheme.”

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.