Officer given final warning over stag do behaviour

PC Christopher Wagstaff attended a gross misconduct hearing on Thursday

An off-duty police officer who was "rude and abusive" to door staff, a council warden and other police officers while out on a stag do has been given a final written warning.

PC Christopher Wagstaff attended a gross misconduct hearing on Thursday about his behaviour while on a night out with friends on 8 February.

Nottinghamshire Police carried out an investigation and found he breached the following standards of behaviour - discreditable conduct, authority, respect and courtesy.

PC Wagstaff, who is based at Newark Police Station, was handed the warning, which will remain in place for three years.

The misconduct panel, chaired by Derbyshire Police Chief Constable Rachel Swann, heard PC Wagstaff attempted to enter a pub in Lincoln, but was refused entry.

Nottinghamshire Police said instead of walking away, PC Wagstaff told door staff: "I know the policy mate, you've got no use of force powers."

'Very drunk'

When a street warden intervened and placed his left arm between PC Wagstaff and the member of door staff, police said he used threatening language and said words to the effect of "touch me again, I'll put you to the floor and arrest you".

PC Wagstaff, who has been a police officer since June 2023, refused to leave the area and police were called.

Police said he was then rude towards the officers who attended and when told to walk away, he replied with words to the effect of "maybe when you've had more service than me, you can say that".

PC Wagstaff, who described himself as "very drunk", said his behaviour was "unacceptable" and that he felt "ashamed", apologising for what he said.

Nottinghamshire Police's Deputy Chief Constable Rob Griffin said: "The public have high expectations of police officers, and whether on or off duty, it's anticipated that they abide by these standards of professional behaviour.

"Wagstaff's actions that night fell below those standards and such behaviour will be challenged and dealt with to ensure the public's trust and confidence in our officers is maintained.

"This is also a timely reminder for all of our officers that we expect them to conduct themselves to the highest standards of service around the clock."