Former police officer sent to jail for 18 months

Mark Coteman was dismissed on 14 May after he was found guilty of gross misconduct

A former police officer has been jailed for 18 months and dismissed from the force for gross misconduct.

Mark Coteman, 35, of Longstanton, Cambridgeshire, was a constable with Cambridgeshire Constabulary.

He appeared at Cambridge Crown Court on Monday, where he was sentenced to 18 months in prison.

He had previously admitted offering to supply class C drugs, attempting to commit fraud, and conspiring to cause a computer to perform a function to secure or enable unauthorised access to a programme or data.

The investigation into the drugs offences was carried out by the Independent Office for Police Conduct.

The other charges came as a result of work between the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire anti-corruption unit and the regional anti-corruption intelligence unit.

'Dents public trust'

Coteman was dismissed without notice on 14 May after he was found guilty of gross misconduct at a special hearing chaired by Chief Constable Nick Dean.

He was found to have breached the Standards of Professional Behaviour in respect of equality and diversity, discreditable conduct, challenging and reporting improper conduct, integrity and authority, respect and courtesy.

Mr Dean said: "The public quite rightly expect the highest standard of professionalism from our officers and staff and we are determined to ensure that those who breach these standards are held to account.

"Any officer committing a criminal offence clearly dents public trust, both locally and across the police service. In this case it is beyond question that trust and confidence in policing has been damaged.

"His actions were deliberate, pre-meditated and planned, and there can be no place in policing for such people."