A WEST Mercia Police Officer has received a final written warning following a public misconduct hearing.

PC Angus Nairn had completed 18 years' service as a constable, most recently based in Local Policing at Hindlip.

The three day hearing concluded on Wednesday after taking place at the force headquarters, and conducted by Harry Ireland, an independent, legally qualified chair and follows an investigation by the Professional Standards Department of Warwickshire Police and West Mercia Police.

The Panel reviewed three allegations to assess whether the 52-year-old has breached the standards of professional behaviour.

Two allegations were not found proven by the panel.

It was also alleged that on May 3, 2017, PC Nairn used a computer to carry out a search that was not for an appropriate policing purpose and was carried out in breach of Data Protection Policy.

The panel determined that allegation was proven.

Superintendent Helena Bennett, head of professional standards department, said: "The misconduct hearing found that the behaviour of police constable Angus Nairn breached the Standards of Professional Behaviour in relation to Orders and Instructions, Confidentiality and Discreditable Conduct.

"His actions amounted to gross misconduct. It is for this reason he received a final written warning."

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