Final written warning for Cambridgeshire police officer following row over train ticket

A police officer accused of abusing staff in a row over a ticket at a London tube station has been given a final written warning after admitting gross misconduct.

Huntingdon-based PC Josh Williams pleaded guilty to the charge at a disciplinary hearing in Biggleswade which took place on Monday and Tuesday.

The hearing was told he had breached the standards of professional behaviour in respect of authority, respect and courtesy and discreditable conduct.

PC Williams was accused of pushing station workers who had questioned him about his ticket, becoming aggressive to the point where British Transport Police had to be called in.

Cambridgeshire police said the officer had been off duty in London in January last year when he passed through a ticket barrier at Leicester Square tube station and was approached by two revenue inspectors who queried his ticket.

PC Williams then pushed past the inspectors in a bid to leave but was stopped and became aggressive.

Police said PC Williams was prosecuted for two offences of using unacceptable behaviour on the Transport for London regional rail network and appeared in court where he was convicted of using abusive and offensive language, contrary to railway bylaws.

The court also found his behaviour to have been arrogant, uncompromising and confrontational.