Sex-in-cop-car police would have been sacked

But they've left already

A Devon and Cornwall policeman who picked up an off-duty female colleague and "engaged in sexual encounters" in a police car when he should have been working would have been sacked if he hadn't already quit, a disciplinary panel has found.

The female cop, who also is no longer with the force, would also have been dismissed. She's left the service too.

Despite no longer being in the job, both former constables were found guilty of gross misconduct.

PCs Steven Athawes and Daria Krolewicz will now be reported to the College of Policing Barred list.

Mr Athawes breached the standards relating to Honesty and Integrity, Discreditable Conduct, Authority, Respect and Courtesy and Duties and Responsibilities, neglecting his duties, and falsely telling his supervisor he was collecting medication and couldn't respond to police calls.

Ms  Krolewicz faced Discreditable Conduct charges for her sexual encounter with her colleague when he was on duty.

Head of Professional Standards, Superintendent Jo Arundale, said: “On this occasion the behaviour of the officers fell below the standards expected within policing.

"Through their actions, the officers undermined the public’s trust and confidence in the police force and did not fulfil their duties and responsibilities.

“Such behaviour will not be tolerated within policing and the decision made by the panel is that, had the officers still been serving, they would have been dismissed without notice.”