Police officer sacked over false case updates

The behaviour of the Cumbria Constabulary officer was found to have amounted to gross misconduct

A police officer who provided false updates on a harassment case said he did so to keep his workload down.

Cumbria PC Christopher Mather was dismissed without notice on Thursday following a misconduct hearing.

Mr Mather said his actions resulted from being "under incredible pressure" and he admitted making some "frankly stupid decisions".

Chief Constable Rob Carden said there was "no place" at Cumbria police for anyone who did not meet the expected standards of integrity, professionalism and honesty.

Mr Mather was investigated over five allegations, including that he failed to update a victim of harassment and theft about her case and that he failed to investigate further ongoing harassment reported by her.

He was also accused of failing to inform the victim that the case had been finalised as "no further action" for six months, meaning she was unable to request a review.

The investigation also looked into the inputting false updates to police systems stating a victim personal statement had been recorded when it when it had not.

'Undermine public trust'

Mr Mather stated he did not act maliciously and that he essentially "just got it wrong" when trying to get on top of his workload.

His Police Federation representative said Mr Mather was not competent at the time and was subject to developmental concerns.

Det Insp Simon Gray, who represented the force at the hearing, said while there was no suggestion any actual harm had been caused, the risk of harm "was all too obvious".

He added: "Anything less than dismissal without notice would seriously undermine public trust and confidence in the police, would cause additional serious harm to the reputation of the police and would not act as a deterrent to others inclined towards similar behaviour."

After the hearing, Mr Carden said: "The officer not only neglected his important duty to keep a victim of crime updated but showed a substantial lack of integrity in knowingly inputting false updates to make it appear he had carried out his duties."