Officer went sick for wedding

A FORMER police constable has been found guilty of gross misconduct for taking false sick leave so she could attend a wedding.

Leanne Gould, who worked for Devon & Cornwall Police, was found to have breached the standards of professional behaviour in respect of honesty and integrity after an accelerated misconduct hearing on Dec 11.

The constable had reported a false sickness requiring absence to go to a wedding, having had her annual leave request declined. Jim Colwell, the acting chief constable, concluded she would have been dismissed without notice had she still been serving.

Det Supt Alexandra Doughty, the force’s head of professional standards, said: “The force and the public expect all officers, staff and volunteers to carry out their roles to a high standard and to behave in an honest manner. In this case, former constable Leanne Gould’s actions have fallen below that.

“When joining the police service, you accept that we are a 24/7 organisation and sadly there are times when you are likely to miss out on special occasions due to the nature of our work.

“Under no circumstances should someone lie about their health and wellbeing to take part in a social occasion. [She] has been placed on the barred list so will no longer be able to hold a role in any [UK] police force.”

Ms Gould maintained she was sick in messages to her line manager and later admitted reporting sick in order to go to the event.

She admitted her conduct was deliberate, misleading, and dishonest. Her behaviour amounted to gross misconduct, the hearing found.