A DAMNING verdict was delivered by Essex Police's chief constable on one of his officers who committed gross misconduct by refusing to undertake a blood test.

On 3 May this year former PC Elton Borg, who served in the west of the county at an unspecified location, had been asked to take part in a drug test but refused.

An Essex Police misconduct hearing held at Essex Police HQ, chaired by Chief Constable Ben-Julian Harrington, on Tuesday, 2 August found he had breached the professional standards of behaviour relating to orders and instructions and discreditable conduct.

The panel found that if PC Borg had not already resigned he would have been dismissed.

Chief Constable Harrington said: "I expect the highest standards of behaviour from every officer or member of staff at Essex Police.

"All officers need to be fit for duty, and be ready to prove that should they be asked to, to ensure they are best place to protect and serve the people of Essex.

"Former PC Borg's behaviour fell well below the standards I expect."