A Greater Manchester Police officer has denied gross misconduct allegations during a disciplinary hearing, telling the panel he is not a misogynist. The officer, who cannot be named for legal reasons, faces claims he made sexually harassing comments to two female colleagues.

The hearing, which concerns an officer who serves in the force that polices Oldham, was told that the officer broke down in tears as he described learning of his suspension. 'Throughout my life I have never been anything of a misogynist. I have got a little daughter that I think the world of,' he said. 'Pretty much every woman I have ever worked with, up until this point, has had a glowing report of me and felt completely supported by me.'

The hearing on Tuesday heard from the first complainant, referred to as 'Person A', who alleged that Officer X asked her if she liked 'hotel sex' and 'enjoyed having casual sex'. She also claimed he asked if she enjoyed one-night stands and made a comment about her going to the gym which she believed referred to her figure.

Giving evidence on Wednesday, Officer X denied the allegations. He said he had been discussing visiting friends at university when he was younger and had mentioned having one-night stands at that time, but added: 'I'm not suggesting that's what you did.' He acknowledged he spoke to her 'as a friend rather than a colleague' and that looking back, 'that was a mistake on my part.'

Regarding the gym comment, Officer X said he used to be a personal trainer and that fitness is 'massive' to him. He said he was showing another officer photos of a new gym on his phone and turned to Person A to ask if she also goes to the gym. He denied any inappropriate reference to her figure.

The second complainant, a police officer referred to as 'PC B', alleges Officer X made inappropriate comments after she accidentally brushed his leg as she changed gear in a police car while he was a passenger. Officer X denies this allegation and has suggested there may have been 'collusion' with another officer, a sergeant, regarding PC B's complaint.

The force alleges the officer's behaviour amounts to gross misconduct, specifically breaching standards relating to discreditable conduct and authority, respect and courtesy. Officer X denies gross misconduct and maintains the conversations were 'consensual adult conversations'.

Officer X told the hearing he had 'never had any issues' with any other officer. 'I have never had a colleague make a complaint about me. I have never had an issue with anyone,' he said. He added he had no intention of making either colleague feel uncomfortable.

The hearing continues. Its outcome will be of relevance to residents in Oldham and across Greater Manchester, where confidence in police conduct remains a priority.