Senior Yard officer sacked over internet sex and drug claims

The 46-year-old chief inspector was said to have trawled the internet looking for women who wanted sex with a man in a uniform.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission said the central London-based officer was fired after a two-day misconduct hearing.

The commission said he told website users he was a serving police officer who had committed criminal offences including drug-taking and a sexual offence.

He was also found to have used his position to advertise himself online in an attempt to meet sexual partners while in uniform.

His behaviour on the internet amounted to gross misconduct, said the commission.

An earlier investigation by Kent Police had found that there was insufficient evidence to pursue any criminal allegations.

IPCC commissioner Mike Franklin said: “Those who discredit their role cannot expect to continue to serve the public and, as in this case, they should be dismissed.”

Two days of evidence proved the officer committed “gross and discreditable conduct”, police said.

The decision was confirmed as it emerged a London firearms officer could be disciplined over claims he slept in a protester’s tent at St Paul’s Cathedral after a drinking spree.

Pc Gary Withers, 35, was said to have taken refuge in the Occupy London camp after being thrown out of the Savoy Hotel, where he had been celebrating with colleagues after passing a firearms course.

A City of London Police spokeswoman said managers had yet to decide whether marksman Pc Withers broke force rules.