Trainee police officer sacked after MOT lies

A trainee police officer who lied and drove a colleague in his car that he falsely said had its MOT has been sacked.

PC Alex Skidmore, who joined Dorset Police in September 2023, was weeks into the job when he became aware that his car's MOT had expired.

He told a colleague that the car had been tested and drove them to Poole police station so they could attend a course, the day before it had been due to get its MOT.

Mr Skidmore was reported by colleagues and he later admitted when challenged by a sergeant that the car did not have its MOT.

The force investigated and he was suspended, before being allowed to return to work on restricted duties.

Following a misconduct hearing on Tuesday, he was sacked after a panel found he had committed gross misconduct.

"It is as a result of the lies he told and the lack of honesty and integrity that PC Skidmore has lost his career in policing," deputy chief constable Rachel Farrell said.

"Tackling unethical or unacceptable behaviour remains a force priority and work continues internally to ensure all officers, staff and volunteers understand the importance of calling out behaviour that falls below the expected standards.

"I am reassured that again PC Skidmore's actions were challenged by colleagues and reported so it could be investigated."

He will be included on the College of Policing's barred list.

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