An officer, working for Staffordshire Police in the south of the county, has been dismissed without notice following a gross misconduct hearing.

As a result of an investigation carried out by Staffordshire Police's Anti-Corruption Unit, it was discovered that PC David Maggs had sent unwanted, inappropriate messages to a colleague and whilst off duty, he touched a colleague in an unwanted and inappropriate manner.

A four-day misconduct hearing, which concluded on Friday 10 July, found that PC Maggs' actions amounted to gross misconduct.

The officer had breached the standards of authority, respect and courtesy and discreditable conduct.

PC Maggs will no longer be able to work in policing or for any other law enforcement bodies as he has been placed on the College of Policing's Barred List.

Deputy Chief Constable Caroline Marsh: "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.

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"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."