The officer was dismissed following a gross misconduct hearing.

A Staffordshire Police officer has been dismissed without notice after an Anti-Corruption Unit found that he had sent unwanted and inappropriate messages to a colleague.

The four-day gross misconduct hearing, which concluded on Friday, July 10, saw that PC David Maggs’ actions amounted to gross misconduct and that the officer had breached the standards of authority, respect and courtesy, and discreditable conduct.

As well as sending inappropriate messages, the hearing also heard that whilst off duty, PC Maggs had also touched a colleague in an unwanted and inappropriate manner.

PC Maggs, who was based in the south of the county, has now been placed on the College of Policing’s Barred List, which prevents him from working in policing and other law enforcement bodies again.

Deputy Chief Constable, Caroline Marsh, said: “The behaviour demonstrated by David Maggs fell far below the high standards we expect of all our officers and staff, both on and off duty. His actions were wholly unacceptable and represented a serious breach of the trust placed in him as a police officer.

"Everyone who works for Staffordshire Police has the right to feel safe, respected and supported in their workplace. We are committed to fostering a professional culture where inappropriate behaviour is challenged and where anyone who experiences or witnesses misconduct feels able to come forward.

"I would like to thank the colleagues involved for their courage in reporting this matter. Where officers are found to have committed gross misconduct, we will take robust action to hold them accountable."