A misconduct panel found that his actions amounted to gross misconduct.

In June 2020, PC Tristan Hankins was on duty and used his police vehicle to run a personal errand.

In doing so, he left his designated patrol area without permission despite having accepted an immediate deployment via his Airwave radio.

At the time of the incident, PC Hankins’ wife was suffering a medical issue, for which he had bought her a hot tub to help her recuperate.

When it arrived however, it came without the accompanying mat. While on duty, he went three miles “off patch” to collect the missing mat from Homebase.

A call came through from the control room as he was setting off to the shop.

The incident he had been asked to respond to was that of a young woman with mental health conditions who was threatening suicide.

He told the controller he would be free to attend the emergency “very shortly” but he arrived at the scene 5 to 10 minutes later than he would have done, choosing to go to Homebase before responding. No actual harm was caused as a result.

To that point he had an unblemished service record, but on Monday, he was dismissed without notice.  

Head of Professional Standards, Detective Superintendent Paul Kessell said: “We expect our officers to uphold the standards of professional behaviour at all times and the actions of the officer fell below these standards on this occasion.

“He did not fulfil his duties and responsibilities and his behaviour brought discredit upon the police service and could undermine public confidence.

“Such behaviour will not be tolerated within policing and the decision made by the panel was that the officer should be dismissed without notice.