A POLICE officer who used force computers to inappropriately view confidential information has been sacked.

Det Con Darren Paterson, who worked at Essex Police's college as a trainer, was dismissed without notice after an independent misconduct hearing.

The misconduct panel found that, between July 2009 and October 2011, Mr Paterson intentionally accessed the force’s computer systems to view or attempt to view confidential information that he should not have accessed.

The hearing, which took place on Tuesday and Wednesday, also heard that Mr Paterson failed to disclose true and complete details on vetting forms.

Mr Paterson's conduct "breached the standards of professional behaviour in the areas of confidentiality, duties and responsibilities and honesty and integrity", the panel concluded.

After the hearing, which took place at Chelmsford County Court, Assistant Chief Constable Maurice Mason said: "Officers and staff employed by Essex Police routinely come into contact with sensitive information and intelligence and it is of the upmost importance that it is handled correctly and only ever accessed for valid policing purposes.

"Any breach of this trust is completely unacceptable and will be dealt with appropriately.

"We also expect our officers to display the same level of honesty, integrity and transparency when taking part in the vetting process.

"Given the circumstances of this case the panel felt that dismissal without notice was the most appropriate course of action.”