Former police constable guilty of gross misconduct

Image caption, After the outcome of criminal proceedings, a disciplinary hearing was held on 7 March

A jailed former Devon and Cornwall Police constable has been found guilty of gross misconduct.

An accelerated misconduct hearing found that, had Sam Smith still been a serving officer, he would have been dismissed without notice.

The former constable was convicted of eight counts of fraud and was jailed for 20 months in November 2023.

After the outcome of criminal proceedings, a disciplinary hearing was held on 7 March.

The hearing determined Mr Smith's actions amounted to gross misconduct and had fallen below the standards of professional behaviour, according to Devon and Cornwall Police.

Temporary Deputy Chief Constable Dave Thorne said: "Sam Smith's appalling actions involved a vulnerable victim and he was rightly convicted and jailed for these criminal offences."

He added: "I can reassure the public that the overwhelming majority of our officers and staff work diligently to help to keep the public safe, uphold our high standards and provide an exceptional service to our communities."

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