Devon & Cornwall cop sacked after firearms offence

He'd hit someone too

A Devon and Cornwall Police officer has been sacked following two incidents that landed him in court, including one for hitting someone and another for a firearms offence.

Police constable Robert Holman was found guilty of gross misconduct by the police service in a public hearing following allegations that whilst off-duty, he had hit a member of the public on 16 September 2018 in Plymouth. He was removed from all front-line duties as a result of the allegations.

Following the three-day public hearing, the panel concluded that the allegation was proven and that PC Homan had breached the expected standards of professional behaviour. He will now be prevented him from working in policing.

Former police officer, Robert Homan appeared at Exeter Magistrates’ Court on Friday 11 December where he was convicted of trespassing on land with a firearm. He was off duty when a member of the public found him on private farmland in Wembury with a firearm on 9 October 2019. He fled the scene and was later identified and summonsed to court where he pleaded not guilty. He was given a two-year conditional discharge and ordered to pay £500 towards cost and a £21 victim surcharge.

Deputy chief constable Jim Nye, said: “Although the officer was off duty at the time of both incidents, we expect far higher standards from our officers whether on or off duty. A police officer’s character and conduct off duty must always be exemplary to maintain public trust and confidence.

“Through his actions, he has undermined public confidence in the police force, therefore dismissal was an inevitable outcome. We will not tolerate such behaviours and conduct that falls below our standards will be dealt with robustly.”

Reports of concern can be reported to Devon and Cornwall Police by calling 101 or emailing professional.standards@devonandcornwall.pnn.police.uk. Internally staff can also report their concerns confidentially via Bad Apple.

Alternatively members of the public can contact the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) – details of which can be found via their website www.policeconduct.gov.uk or anonymously via the CrimeStoppers charity online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or freephone 0800 555 111.