Policeman ignored 999 call to watch rugby

A POLICEMAN has been sacked after attending a rugby match while on duty, during which he ignored a 999 call.

Pc Jason Charles, 30, was already on a final written warning for swearing at fellow officers after being thrown out of a nightclub, a disciplinary panel heard.

He pulled up outside Gloucester’s stadium as they faced Connacht in a European Cup play-off and asked for the score.

The officer then parked and went into the ground to provide “high visibility policing” during extra time.

While inside, he received radio calls about two incidents, but answered only one and ignored a “Grade One” alert from a woman at a nearby address, the misconduct hearing was told.

After disciplinary proceedings were launched by Gloucestershire Police, Charles got drunk in a pub and smashed a glass with his fist.

He was dismissed following a twoday misconduct hearing after 10 years with the force.

Charles was supported at the hearing by Mark Rees, a former special constable, council leader and member of the Gloucestershire police and crime panel.

He said: “I fully understand why he went into the rugby match. I trained him that way when he was a special constable. I trained him that you get out and about and meet the public and interact with them. From what I have seen of his service in the police, it has been excellent.”

He added: “I believe he is a plus to this force.”

Suzette Davenport, Gloucestershire’s Chief Constable, said there was no good policing reason for entering the rugby stadium and that Charles had abused his position. “This behaviour is not consistent with the office of a constable,” she added.

Charles said he would appeal against the panel’s findings and his dismissal.