The detective who cracked the Sian O'Callaghan murder case will face a fight for his career when he goes before a Wiltshire Police conduct hearing on Monday.

The panel, made up of independent members, will be tasked with deciding whether or not Detective Superintendent Steve Fulcher committed gross misconduct in relation to the case of Sian O’Callaghan and Becky Godden-Edwards.

The panel was established after the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) found that Det Supt Fulcher had a case to answer for gross misconduct relating to three alleged breaches to the Standards of Professional Behaviour, as outlined by the Police Conduct Regulations 2008.

The hearing is expected to last five days and is due to conclude on Friday, January 24 when a decision is likely to be made.

A spokesman said: "It would be inappropriate for Wiltshire Police to make any comment until the hearing has concluded."

Det Supt Fulcher faced allegations that he breached the rights of murderer Christopher Halliwell during the hunt for Sian, who disappeared in March 2011 after a night out in Swindon.

At one stage the hunt for Sian centred on Savernake Forest, however, her body was found close to the Uffington white horse several days later.