Jailed PC barred from policing over misconduct

After the court case, West Mercia Police described Nicholas Peacock's actions as "deplorable"

A former police officer who was suspended and jailed after he was in a sexual relationship with a suspect has been barred from working in policing again.

West Mercia Police said a misconduct hearing held on Tuesday would have led to dismissal for Nicholas Peacock, 40, who had been an officer in Market Drayton, had he not already resigned.

Peacock was jailed for 18 months last December for misconduct at Shrewsbury Crown Court.

The misconduct hearing was told that during his suspension he failed to declare a business interest and undertook paid employment, and did not comply with the force's policy on the declaration and approval of business interests.

He has been added to the College of Policing Barred List.

Deputy chief constable Rachel Jones said: "Despite resigning from the force we continued to pursue disciplinary proceedings against Nicholas Peacock to ensure he cannot work in policing again. His actions were dishonest and demonstrated clear lack of integrity and will not be tolerated with our force."

Shrewsbury Crown Court heard last year that Peacock had engaged in a relationship with a suspect in an assault case, which he failed to investigate fully, falsely claimed there were no witnesses and said that the victim had not supported a prosecution.