A Chester-based British Transport Police (BTP) officer who attended a known dogging site in a patrol car with no policing purpose has been sacked.

Police Constable Tony Hughes was dismissed without notice following a public misconduct hearing held in York between June 3-7.

It was alleged that between November 2022 and July 2023, PC Hughes had lied about the reason for being removed from a force driving course, breached the BTP Driving Standards Policy, and attended a known ‘dogging’ site in a police vehicle with no policing purpose.

PC Hughes attended the hearing where allegations were put forward that he breached the standard of professional behaviour, namely ‘Honesty and Integrity’, ‘Orders and Instructions’, ‘Discreditable Conduct’, and ‘Duties and Responsibilities’.

PC Hughes admitted breaching the Driving Standards Policy but denied the other allegations.

The independent panel found all allegations proven and that the officer’s behaviour collectively amounted to Gross Misconduct.

Detective Superintendent Peter Fulton, Head of the Professional Standards Department (PSD) said: “Hughes used the force vehicles both in an unsafe and inappropriate manner, breaching several standards of professional behaviour that we expect of our officers.

“A thorough investigation was conducted by PSD which has resulted in the independent panel being able to make today’s decision.”