THE Chief Constable of Essex Police has blasted a sacked officer following his conviction for sending inappropriate messages to women.

Essex Police Special Constable Liam McCready-Gardner sent the messages to women he did not know on Instagram while off duty.

One of the incidents was reported to police and he was arrested on 2 March on suspicion of sending malicious communications.

He was convicted of malicious communications and ordered to pay a £150 fine, costs of £105 and a £34 victim surcharge. He was suspended from his role as a special constable following his arrest.

An Accelerated Police Misconduct Hearing, which took place at Essex Police Headquarters on Thursday 29 July, heard his actions breached the Standards of Professional Behaviour in respect of 'Discreditable Conduct' and would amount to gross misconduct.

The chair of the hearing, Chief Constable BJ Harrington, found he had committed gross misconduct and he was dismissed without notice.

Chief Constable Harrington said: "I demand the highest level of conduct from all my officers and staff and Liam McCready-Gardner has fallen woefully short of that standard.

"We police with the public's consent and his actions could serve to damage their confidence in us.

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"His actions do not reflect Essex Police and the thousands of officers and staff who keep you safe, including when you go online.

"When the offences came to light, he was investigated by my officers and that investigation led to his conviction. We have now acted quickly to ensure he can no longer represent Essex Police."