A LEADING police officer has pledged the force will 'pursue' any bobby who compromises the high standards expected in the Cumbrian force.

Deputy Chief Constable Mark Webster was speaking after Ulverston-based PC Shane Wheeler was sacked after a misconduct hearing heard he committed gross misconduct.

The hearing was told he obtained monies from people for rugby tickets, which he either did not supply or refund the cash, despite being requested to do so.

The panel was also told PC Wheeler carried out work as a chauffeur without first obtaining authority from Cumbria Constabulary, in breach of the constabulary’s policy regarding Business Interests and Additional Occupations.

“The misconduct hearing clearly demonstrated the officer had fallen short of the high standards of honesty and integrity we expect from anyone employed by the Constabulary," said DCC Webster.

“Our police officers and staff are held to a high standard and the overwhelming majority act in a way the Constabulary and the public can be proud of each and every day.

“However, the outcome of this hearing clearly demonstrates that the force will actively pursue any officer who deliberately compromises those standards to ensure that the public continue to have the highest level of confidence in the officers and staff of this force.”

The misconduct panel was told PC Wheeler he had been arrested on suspicion of fraud on February 2018 but the Crown Prosecution Service decided he had not been dishonest and no further action was taken.

Simon Walsh, counsel for the Chief Constable, said his breaches of the force rules was extensive and serious.

Mr Walsh had earlier said PC Wheeler had been told by a colleague that a wealthy local businessman had wanted a second chauffeur. At the interview he confessed to being in debt.

The businessman loaned PC Wheeler £12,700 which he was to pay back by working for him.