Former Essex Police officer found guilty of gross misconduct
Former PC Adam Gardiner failed to stop for police before being involved in a collision
Last updated 29th Jul 2026
A former Essex Police officer has been found to have committed gross misconduct.
Former PC Adam Gardiner was on duty on 21 November 2025, out of the force area and in an unmarked police vehicle, when he failed to stop for police before being involved in a collision and damaging the road barriers.
He was arrested by Devon and Cornwall Police 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 on 30 January found the allegations were proven in relation to six standards he was alleged to have breached: authority, respect and courtesy, use of force, orders and instructions, duties and responsibilities, fitness for duty and discreditable conduct.
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.
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 (27 July) and he appeared at Exeter Crown Court where he was sentenced to 10 months in prison, suspended for two years.
He was also disqualified from driving for two-and-a-half years and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £1630.
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.”