A police officer who pocketed a tenner from an abandoned vehicle has been charged with gross misconduct.

Former police constable Stephen Knott attended a call involving a vehicle in Holmfirth, West Yorkshire on September 22 last year.

The 54-year-old was then caught taking a £10 note and quickly arrested.

West Yorkshire Police and the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) launched an investigation and referred him for criminal prosecution in January.

Knott admitted theft at Bradford Magistrates’ Court in August and handed a 12-month community order, 80 hours of unpaid work and £175 in costs.

Now, Knott has been charged with gross misconduct and will appear at a hearing next Wednesday.

IOPC director of major investigations Steve Noonan said: ‘PC Knott’s behaviour was corrupt and a complete betrayal of the public’s trust.

‘Actions like this have no place in policing. This abuse of trust seriously risks undermining public confidence in the police.

‘Thanks to the actions of West Yorkshire Police in flagging up and then investigating concerns about PC Knott’s behaviour, he now has been convicted of a criminal offence.

‘It will now be for the force to arrange disciplinary proceedings for the officer.’

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