A POLICEMAN who worked in Kidderminster has been dismissed from West Mercia Police after being found guilty of gross misconduct.

Police constable Richard Allen was dismissed from the force with immediate effect for gross misconduct following a Public Misconduct Hearing that concluded this week. 

The officer had worn medals that he was not entitled to wear at a funeral and had given a dishonest account regarding the wearing of the medals to his chief inspector.

He was also found to have given a dishonest account regarding the wearing of the medals to the Professional Standards Department, failed to report an unmanageable debt and gave a dishonest account regarding his unmanageable debt.

The hearing, which began on Monday, 19 December and concluded on Wednesday, 21 December, found that PC Allen, aged 35, breached the standards of professional behaviour in the areas of honesty and integrity, discreditable conduct. 

Detective Superintendent Gary Watson, Head of Professional Standards for Warwickshire Police and West Mercia Police, said:"The misconduct hearing found that the behaviour of Police Constable Richard Allen fell below the standards we expect from our officers and staff and amounted to gross misconduct and it is for this reason he was dismissed."

The hearing was conducted by Douglas Readings, an independent legally qualified chair, and followed an investigation by the Professional Standards Department (PSD).

PC Allen had completed more than 11 years' service with West Mercia Police, most recently based in Kidderminster.

The hearing was conducted by Douglas Readings, an independent legally qualified chair and follows a Professional Standards Investigation that was launched following the allegations.

The outcome of the Misconduct Hearing is subject to the normal appeals process.