A HEREFORDSHIRE police officer sent sexual and explicit images to a to a vulnerable person, a misconduct hearing has heard.

Marcus Garland, who was based at Hereford Police Station, also sent inappropriate messages and was dishonest and obstructive when asked to produce his mobile phone in connection with an ongoing criminal investigation. 

The 50-year-old was suspended from duty in March 2022 following the offences committed the previous September, and resigned from the force in February 2023. 

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A hearing held today (August 14) heard that he would have been sacked anyway had he not resigned. Garland will now be added to the College of Policing Barred List, preventing him from working for a UK police service in the future.

Chief Constable Pippa Mills said: “Marcus Garland was trained to help vulnerable victims and instead he chose to abuse his position as a police officer. I hope today’s outcome reassures the public we will continue to ensure those whose behaviour falls below the standards expected are banned from policing, even after they have left the force.

“I’m committed to ensuring our communities have trust and confidence in us and make no apology that people will continue to see those whose behaviour has no place in policing being sacked from the force.”