An Essex Police sergeant based at Braintree has been dismissed without notice for gross misconduct, it has been confirmed.

A panel heard allegations that the officer, who has not been named, refused or failed to attend duty 13 times and also left his duties during a shift when he did not have permission to do so.

The panel was chaired by Mark Gilmartin, director of support services.

It found the officer had “breached expected standards of professional behaviour, particularly in relation to following orders and instructions, and carrying out his duties and responsibilities”.

Gilmartin said: “The panel determined that dismissal without notice was the appropriate sanction, particularly bearing in mind the need to protect the public confidence in, and reputation of, Essex Police.

“The panel also believed it was important to signal to officers and the public alike that this behaviour was unacceptable”.