Automotive

Policeman has been jailed for using his patrol car to cut through traffic and red lights

A corrupt policeman has been jailed for using his patrol car to cut through traffic and red lights.

Simon Wright, 59, showed ‘criminal disregard’ after using his blue lights to pass traffic in his home town.

Lewes Crown Court heard how the Sussex Police constable raced through the lights in Worthing, West Sussex last summer.

When Wright was pulled up about his behaviour last year, he tried lying to avoid any potential prosecution.

After an investigation into his gross misconduct was launched, Wright quit Sussex Police and refused to attend meetings.

He failed to attend a special case gross misconduct hearing at the police headquarters, according to colleagues.

Wright, from Worthing, faced three counts of breaking honesty and integrity and one of discreditable conduct.

Chief Constable Giles York said that had he still been serving, he would have been dismissed from the Force.

On Tuesday, a judge sentenced the former officer to four months in prison for perverting the course of justice.

Detective Superintendent Steve Boniface said: “Police officers must behave in a manner that does not discredit the police service or undermine public confidence, whether on or off duty.

“Simon Wright’s criminal disregard for the law is clearly completely out of keeping with the role that others uphold with pride, integrity and with the trust of the public whom they serve.

“It is important to show that the force will fairly investigate its own staff and this highlights our determination not to allow the name of Sussex Police to be tainted.

“Nor bring into disrepute the enormous amount of good work carried out day-to-day by thousands of hard-working and enormously dedicated police officers and staff.”

By Daniel Hammond

Joe Mellor

Head of Content

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