A POLICE officer has been sacked following a hearing in York.

The British Transport Police (BTP) constable has been dismissed without notice following a public misconduct hearing held at the Professional Standards Department (PSD) hearing room in the city last month.

Police Constable Muhammad Patel, based in Preston, did not attend the hearing where an allegation was put forward that he breached the standards of professional behaviour, namely ‘honesty and integrity’ and ‘discreditable conduct’.

It was alleged that, on three separate occasions while off duty, in May 2022, February 2023 and October 2023, PC Patel was witnessed inhaling nitrous oxide from a balloon and in possession of nitrous oxide while in a car with others.

It was then further alleged that in February 2023, PC Patel submitted a written declaration to BTP’s PSD department in relation to the incident in February 2023, with information contrary to that provided by Lancashire Police.

The independent panel found the allegations of honesty and integrity (dishonesty only) and discreditable conduct proven and that the officer breached the standards of professional behaviour. The allegations of integrity breaches were found not proven.

The panel concluded that the officer’s behaviour amounted to gross misconduct, and he was dismissed without notice as a result.

PSD detective chief inspector Tracy Goddard-King said: “Former PC Patel’s behaviour was unacceptable and he was unable to prioritise his responsibilities as a police officer whether on or off duty above other influences.

“His actions undermined the high standards in policing and therefore damage the public’s confidence in policing. He has therefore been dismissed without notice.”