WEST Mercia Police have released a statement after a former officer was jailed for two counts of misconduct in a public office at Gloucester Crown Court this week.

Ian Langford, aged 46, of Church Street, Tewkesbury, pleaded guilty to two offences of misconduct in public office and was sentenced to 18 months in prison on Tuesday, June 25.

The offences related directly to matters for which he was dismissed from West Mercia Police without notice on May 2 this year, following a Special Case Hearing chaired by Chief Constable David Shaw.

Following the sentencing Deputy Chief Constable Anthony Bangham said: "The vast majority of our officers and staff act with the utmost integrity and for them the Code of Ethics is actually a description of how they naturally conduct themselves on a daily basis, and that is very much to our credit.

"Unfortunately however, Mr Langford has undermined the excellent work of the vast majority. That is both unacceptable and unfair to those working so hard to deliver the excellent service that we do.

"The investigation into this matter demonstrates the robust position that we take towards any wilful wrongdoing by police officers and hope the outcome reassures the public that such matters are investigated thoroughly and that such behaviour will not be accepted."