A former Merseyside Police officer was found to have breached standards of professional conduct to the level of gross misconduct at a hearing yesterday.

The hearing, overseen by a Legally Qualified Chair, found that ex-Constable Gemma Smith breached standards of professional behaviour in relation to honesty and integrity, discreditable conduct and authority, and respect and courtesy.

On 22 December 2020, the former constable - who has since resigned from the force - was stopped while off duty at Tesco in Heswall as she walked to the store's exit without having paid for the goods in her trolley, later valued at £238.72.

She falsely claimed to have already paid for the goods and despite then paying for the items, the independent chair found that her actions had been dishonest and constituted a breach of the standards of professional behaviour expected of police officers and staff.

The hearing found that, had Constable Smith remained serving, she would have been dismissed with immediate effect.

She will now be placed on the College of Policing's Barred List.

Chief Superintendent Jennifer Wilson, Head of the force's Professional Standards Department, said: "We demand the highest possible standards from officers and staff, whether they are on duty or off duty.

"On this occasion, former Constable Smith did not meet those standards, and it is right that she has had to answer for her behaviour in front of an independent chair.

"All of our officers recognise the unique position we hold in maintaining law and order, and that to keep the trust and confidence of our communities we must uphold the highest standards of behaviour ourselves at all times.

"The public rightly have high expectations of our officers and Merseyside Police is committed to ensuring we meet those expectations.

"So when information is received about those alleged to have fallen below those standards in any way, our dedicated Professional Standards Department will always carry out a thorough investigation to ensure the public across Merseyside can continue to have confidence in the Police Service.

"The overwhelming majority of our police officers and staff act with respect, professionalism and integrity at all times. We want to keep it that way, and will continue to take swift and robust action to investigate anyone whose behaviour falls short of those high standards."