AN Essex police officer has been given a final warning for falsely applying for dependency leave.

PC Helen Horwood, of Grays Local Policing Team, contacted her line manager to request dependency leave knowing the criteria did not apply to her case.

The panel, which sat at Harlow Social Services Tribunal Court, found she had breached the standards of honesty and integrity.

Any further conduct matters could mean another hearing for Ms Horwood, who has been an officer for four years.

Carl O’Malley, assistant chief constable, said: “Essex Police is a supportive employer and will always seek to assist its employees in difficult times.

"However, we do require people to attend work and the use of provisions designed to support staff should only be used in appropriate circumstances.”