A RETIRED Devon and Cornwall Police sergeant has been found guilty of gross misconduct after engaging in sexual behaviour with a vulnerable woman he had booked into custody the day before. 

A misconduct panel ruled that if Police Sergeant Steven Gardner had still been serving, he would have been dismissed.  

He was suspended from duty following a report in August 2021 that he had engaged in sexual behaviour with a member of the public. He retired from the force in December 2021 while under investigation.  

Mr Gardner met the woman by chance in a Torquay pub while off duty and out with a friend. He recognised her because he had booked her into custody in Exeter the previous day and knew she had mental health issues and was self-harming. 

He admitted he bought her at least one alcoholic drink, had put his arm around her waist, placed his hand on her knee, kissed and held hands with her and allowed her to put her arm around his waist and grind against his groin. 

He said he did not think she was drunk when he initially met her, but the panel ruled he had been aware she was intoxicated. 

The misconduct panel found Mr Gardner culpable of gross misconduct and concluded that he would have been dismissed had he not retired. 

Superintendent Jo Arundale, from the force’s professional standards department, said: “We expect all officers and staff to conduct themselves in line with the Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Behaviour.  

“Former Police Sergeant Steven Gardner has been found [culpable] for not aligning with those standards and the panel ruled that his actions amounted to gross misconduct and the only suitable outcome would have been dismissal had he still been a serving officer. 

“Ensuring the highest standards and ethics within the force remains a top priority and the public can be assured that any wrongdoing or unacceptable behaviour such as this will be subject to robust action.” 

You can report concerns about a member of Devon and Cornwall Police online, by telephoning 101 or by emailing [email protected]. 

Alternatively, you can contact the Independent Office for Police Conduct.