Jailed former inspector from Bedford would have been dismissed, panel rules
John Nichols who was jailed for child sex offences would have been dismissed had he not resigned
A former police officer from Bedford who was jailed for child sex offences would have been dismissed had he not already resigned, a panel has ruled.
John Nichols, 51, was sentenced to 30 months in prison after admitting attempting to arrange or facilitate the commission of a child sex offence and making an indecent photograph of a child.
He was caught following an undercover online investigation by the Met.
A fast-track misconduct hearing was held at Bedfordshire Police HQ, who found Nichols had breached the Standards of Professional Behaviour for integrity and discreditable conduct.
Chief Constable Garry Forsyth said: "Offences such as these involve such a fundamental breach of the public’s trust in police officers that inevitably brings the profession into disrepute.
"The public would be both shocked and horrified by the conduct of former Insp Nichols and his conduct will undoubtedly damage the standing and reputation of policing.
"There is no place in our force for anyone who behaves in such a way, and we will continue to work with colleagues both in policing and externally to proactively root out anyone who falls short of the standards the public expect."
Nichols has also been placed onto the barred list.