A FORMER Essex police officer, who this week received suspended jail term for drinking and dangerous driving, has been named and shamed by the force which has published details saying he was found at an internal hearing to have committed gross misconduct.

Former PC Adam Gardiner was found to have breached standards of policing in relation to authority, respect and courtesy, use of force, orders and instructions, duties and responsibilities, fitness for duty and discreditable conduct, following allegations of misconduct on 21 November 2025.

The former constable was on duty, out of the Essex Police force area and in an unmarked police vehicle, when he failed to stop for police before being involved in a single-vehicle collision and damaging road barriers.

He was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving, driving while over the prescribed limit for alcohol and failing to stop. He was suspended from duty shortly after being released from custody.

An accelerated misconduct hearing was chaired by Chief Constable Ben-Julian Harrington on Friday 30 January, and the allegations were found proven in relation to six standards he was alleged to have breached. A standard of honesty and integrity was not found.

He would have been dismissed without notice had he not already resigned and will be placed on the police barred list.

The matter was heard in private, with publication restricted until the conclusion of criminal proceedings which was on Monday (27 July).

Former PC Gardiner was charged by Devon and Cornwall Police with driving while over the prescribed limit and dangerous driving. He admitted the offences and on Monday he appeared at Exeter Crown Court where he was sentenced to 10 months in prison, suspended for two years.

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At the conclusion of the criminal proceedings, CC Harrington said: "Whilst the former officer was of previous good character, the serious, deliberate and dangerous nature of what he did meant he fell far short of the standards of professional behaviour that the force and the public expect, at all times, from officers.

"Drink driving and dangerous driving can have devastating consequences for road users and the wider community.

"For a serving officer to be found over the limit is inexcusable and when added to the wider circumstances there could be no future for him in policing.

"We are committed to road safety and irresponsible behaviour by officers when using police vehicles will not be tolerated.

"We are committed to maintaining public trust in the officers and staff of Essex Police who serve them. That is why this matter was dealt with quickly and robustly."

*Former PC Gardiner was also given a three-month concurrent sentence for the drink drive charge. He was disqualified from driving for two-and-a-half years and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £1,630.