One officer was dismissed without notice following a misconduct hearing this week.

PC Justin Robbie, who was based in Bristol, was also banned from future police work.

A panel, chaired by a Legally Qualified Chair (LQC), found allegations of sexual impropriety involving inappropriate solicitation, communication and an unsolicited image sent by PC Robbie to a woman who worked at Avon were proven and to Somerset Police at the time. .

PC Robbie was found to have breached four professional standards following a two-day hearing at our Portishead headquarters:

• Honesty and Integrity
• Authority, respect and courtesy
• Equality and Diversity
• Discreditable conduct

Interim Superintendent Sharon Baker, head of our Professional Standards Department, said: “PC Robbie’s conduct fell well below the standards required of anyone working in the police force.

“He has behaved in a way which brings the police service into disrepute and will undoubtedly undermine public confidence.

“There can be no place in the police force for someone who acts in such an inappropriate manner. His actions towards the woman violated her dignity, which he knew did not want him to behave this way.

“We hope this decision to prevent him from ever policing sends a strong message to the public that this kind of behavior will not be tolerated at all.”

At the head of the LQC, which is independent of the police, the hearing was held in private. At the conclusion of the proceedings, they have since allowed the public identification of the officer involved.

A copy of the LQC outcome and decision notice will be published on the misconduct section of our website once finalised..