PC sent 'unwanted sexual messages' after dating app meet

The hearing was held at Wiltshire Police Headquarters between 3 and 4 September

A former police officer who sent "unwanted" sexual messages has been found guilty of gross misconduct.

Former PC Stephen Yeates, who worked for Wiltshire Police, met an individual through a mobile dating app in February, a misconduct hearing was told.

He went on to send an "offensive" video and made unwanted sexual advances in person over the course of a week.

Mr Yeates was told that had he not resigned in August, he would have been dismissed without notice. He has been placed on the barred and advisory list, which acts as a safeguarding tool for future employers.

The panel at the hearing, held between 3 and 4 September at Wiltshire Police Headquarters in Devizes, considered one allegation broken down into 24 points, with 20 found proven against the former constable.

He was found to have breached the Standards of Professional Behaviour for authority, respect and courtesy and equality and diversity.

Deputy chief constable Craig Dibdin said: “The behaviour displayed by former PC Yeates falls short of the very high standards we expect of both officers and staff, on and off duty.

"We are extremely grateful to the witness in this case who assisted us with our investigation into his behaviour.

“I would like to underline the importance of officers upholding high standards of behaviour at all times and would urge members of our communities to report any concerns where they believe behaviour of our officers and staff has fallen short.”