Cop would have been kicked out for sex acts

But he retired first

A former Devon & Cornwall Police officer has been found culpable of gross misconduct following a public misconduct hearing.

A panel found Sergeant Steven Gardner breached the standards of professional behaviour after engaging in sexual behaviour with a member of the public.

Had he not retired first, he would have been sacked. Mr Gardner's details will be submitted to the College of Policing Barred List anyway. He quit while under investigation in December 2021, four months after being reported.

Superintendent Jo Arundale, from the force’s professional standards department, said: “We expect all officers and staff to conduct themselves in line with the Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Behaviour. Former Police Sergeant Steven Gardner has been found for not aligning with those standards and the panel ruled that his actions amounted to gross misconduct and the only suitable outcome would have been dismissal had he still been a serving officer.

“Ensuring the highest standards and ethics within the Force remains a top priority and the public can be assured that any wrongdoing or unacceptable behaviour such as this will be subject to robust action.

“If you have any concerns over the conduct of a member of staff, officer or volunteer, I would encourage you to contact our professional standards department for the matters to be fully investigated.”