An Essex Police special constable was found guilty of gross misconduct after sending a female co-worker an intimate video of himself via Snapchat.

James Parker admitted three allegations of misconduct, and denied one allegation during his hearing.

A panel, led by chairman Peter Nicholls, heard how Parker sent a female colleague an intimate video and inappropriate messages through Snapchat between October and November 2017.

After two day of the hearing the misconduct panel ruled on Tuesday September 11 that Parker’s behaviour breached the standards of professional behaviour relating to respect and courtesy, integrity and discreditable conduct and found him guilty of gross misconduct.

Chief superintendent Paul Wells, the senior police officer on the hearing panel, said: “Special Constable Parker’s behaviour was not acceptable and has amounted to gross misconduct.

“His actions clearly breached our Code of Ethics, and I hope that this dismissal will act as reassurance to officers and staff across the force that these behaviours, and breaches of the Code, are taken seriously.”

Parker was dismissed following the misconduct hearing at Chelmsford Civic Centre.