A DETECTIVE constable from Newton Abbot was dismissed without notice from Devon and Cornwall Police, after members of the misconduct panel found that his actions amounted to gross misconduct.

DC Daniel Arnold faced allegations that he breached the standards of professional conduct namely discreditable conduct.

On September 16, the officer appeared at Bodmin Magistrates Court and pleaded guilty to driving with excess alcohol. He was disqualified from driving for 20 months and was fined.

The incident occurred while he was off duty and the officer was suspended following the incident.

Following the three-day public hearing, the panel concluded that DC Arnold had breached the expected standards of professional behaviour.

The panel determined that the officer would be dismissed without notice.

Head of Professional Standards, Detective Superintendent Paul Kessell said: [We expect our officers to uphold the standards of professional behaviour at all times, while on and off duty.

‘His behaviour brought discredit upon the police service and could undermine public confidence.

Such behaviour will not be tolerated within policing and the decision made by the panel was that the officer should be dismissed without notice.’