A WARWICKSHIRE Police officer has been dismissed for gross misconduct following a disciplinary hearing.

The misconduct hearing found PC Nikki Wardle from the patrol shift at Bedworth Police Station breached the policing standards of professional behaviour in relation to honesty and integrity, and duties and responsibilities, when investigating an allegation of aggression towards two women in Nuneaton in January.

Specifically, the hearing found PC Wardle:

* Advised the complainants she had spoken to the suspect about the incident, when she had not done so.

* Declined to let the complainants make statements in support of their complaint after advising them their discussions with her were akin to making a statement and that making a formal statement would make no difference as the matter would not go to court.

Supt Warren Little, head of the Warwickshire Police Professional Standards Department, said: “Victims of crime look to police for support at difficult times in their life and we always look to treat them with compassion and professionalism.

“PC Wardle’s actions in the investigation fell well below the standards we expect of our officers. It is important the public have confidence in Warwickshire Police and I hope they are reassured by the action we have taken today.”

The hearing – conducted by independent legally qualified chair Douglas Readings – followed an investigation by Warwickshire Police Professional Standards Department.

The outcome of the misconduct hearing is subject to the normal appeals process.