Sussex officer dismissed for perverting the course of justice
An officer from Sussex Police has been dismissed after he was convicted at court of attempting to pervert the course of justice.
An accelerated misconduct hearing chaired by Chief Constable Jo Shiner on Monday (August 9) heard that Police Constable Ian Noakes had been found guilty following a trial at Brighton Crown Court on July 2. He was sentenced to one-year imprisonment, which amounts to discreditable conduct under the Standards of Professional Behaviour.
The court heard that PC Noakes was not on duty at the time of the offence, and it was not related to any cases he was investigating. He was found not guilty of making threats to kill two people he knew.
Ms Shiner said: “The public expect the very highest standards of behaviour from police officers and rightfully so. Police officers can only police with the consent of our communities and that is on a basis of trust. Officers must act with the utmost honesty and integrity, and abide by the law of this country at all times.
“A conviction for such an offence is discreditable conduct, therefore amounting to gross misconduct. This is a clear case where PC Noakes neither can nor should continue to serve in the office of constable.”
The outcome decision in this case was dismissal without notice.
