Sussex police officer caught stealing suspect's spider
A police officer has been given a written warning for stealing a decorative spider from a suspect's garden.PC Stuart Ellis intended to make an arrest at an address in Brighton on 5 December, but when there was no answer, he took the eight-legged Halloween ornament from the garden instead. His actions were spotted on a doorbell camera and reported to Sussex Police.At a misconduct hearing on 25 and 26 March, the 47-year-old was found to have breached the professional behaviour standards of integrity and discreditable conduct. He was given a written warning, which will stay on file for 18 months.
Written warning
The panel was chaired by Assistant Chief Constable Peter Gardner.It heard how PC Ellis "was seen to walk over to a Halloween decoration, disconnect a decorative spider, and place it in his pocket". "He then walked away from the garden and towards the police vehicle, having taken the item from the front garden", said Sussex Police in a statement."The item was later recovered and returned to its owner after they made a complaint to the force."The misconduct hearing also considered the actions of PC Sophie Douglas, 33, who attended the address alongside PC Ellis.The panel found that PC Douglas had no case to answer.Det Spt Andy Wolstenholme, deputy head of professional standards at Sussex Police, said: "Where Sussex Police receives complaints from members of the public about the conduct of our officers, it is right and proper that we investigate."He added the misconduct process meant staff "can account for their actions in an open and transparent process".
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
North Wales Chronicle
6 hours ago
- North Wales Chronicle
Man charged with murder of 32-year-old mother-of-three
Police were called to Wadham Road, Portsmouth, at 7.37am on June 5, following the discovery of the body of 32-year-old Samantha Murphy. A Hampshire Constabulary spokesman said that Charlie Jeans, of Margate Road, Southsea, had been charged with murder and remanded into custody to appear at Portsmouth Magistrates' Court later. He added that a 41-year-old man from Portsmouth arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender had been released on conditional bail until September 9. Two other men, a 32-year-old from Petersfield and a 32-year-old from Havant – who were previously arrested on suspicion of murder, have been released on conditional bail until September 5. In a tribute released through Hampshire Constabulary, Ms Murphy's family said: 'Sammie-Jo, our bright, smiling soul, radiated joy to everyone she met. 'She was a devoted mother to her three beautiful children, the bubbly baby sister who brought laughter and light to her siblings, and the fun-loving auntie who adored her nieces and nephews. 'Sam was the friend everyone went to for advice and a compassionate ear. 'Our gracious host at Halloween and Christmas, Sam's home was always filled with warmth and cheer. 'She was strong-willed and determined, yet her kindness shone through, always quick to see the good in everyone. 'Sam loved her music and dancing, truly embodying the life and soul of every party. 'Her singing voice, especially when she belted out her version of Amy Winehouse's Back To Black, never failed to draw admiration and applause. 'That mischievous and cheeky spirit she had as the youngest sister never faded; it was part of her charm, alongside her quirky little laugh, which continued to delight us into adulthood. 'Her loss has left an immense void. 'For her mother, it's not just the loss of a daughter, but of a best friend and constant companion. 'Her brother and sisters, whose bond with Sam was so rare and special, are utterly devastated by this unimaginable absence. 'We take comfort in knowing Sam would want her family and friends to pull together, ensuring her children are always protected and surrounded with the love she so generously gave. 'Love from your mum Denise, your three beautiful children, older sisters Louise, Jodie and Kelly, big brother Carl and brother-in-law Ollie, your wonderful friends Marissa, Emma and Charlene, and from your dad Phillip.'
Glasgow Times
6 hours ago
- Glasgow Times
Man charged with murder of 32-year-old mother-of-three
Police were called to Wadham Road, Portsmouth, at 7.37am on June 5, following the discovery of the body of 32-year-old Samantha Murphy. A Hampshire Constabulary spokesman said that Charlie Jeans, of Margate Road, Southsea, had been charged with murder and remanded into custody to appear at Portsmouth Magistrates' Court later. He added that a 41-year-old man from Portsmouth arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender had been released on conditional bail until September 9. Two other men, a 32-year-old from Petersfield and a 32-year-old from Havant – who were previously arrested on suspicion of murder, have been released on conditional bail until September 5. In a tribute released through Hampshire Constabulary, Ms Murphy's family said: 'Sammie-Jo, our bright, smiling soul, radiated joy to everyone she met. 'She was a devoted mother to her three beautiful children, the bubbly baby sister who brought laughter and light to her siblings, and the fun-loving auntie who adored her nieces and nephews. 'Sam was the friend everyone went to for advice and a compassionate ear. 'Our gracious host at Halloween and Christmas, Sam's home was always filled with warmth and cheer. 'She was strong-willed and determined, yet her kindness shone through, always quick to see the good in everyone. 'Sam loved her music and dancing, truly embodying the life and soul of every party. 'Her singing voice, especially when she belted out her version of Amy Winehouse's Back To Black, never failed to draw admiration and applause. 'That mischievous and cheeky spirit she had as the youngest sister never faded; it was part of her charm, alongside her quirky little laugh, which continued to delight us into adulthood. 'Her loss has left an immense void. 'For her mother, it's not just the loss of a daughter, but of a best friend and constant companion. 'Her brother and sisters, whose bond with Sam was so rare and special, are utterly devastated by this unimaginable absence. 'We take comfort in knowing Sam would want her family and friends to pull together, ensuring her children are always protected and surrounded with the love she so generously gave. 'Love from your mum Denise, your three beautiful children, older sisters Louise, Jodie and Kelly, big brother Carl and brother-in-law Ollie, your wonderful friends Marissa, Emma and Charlene, and from your dad Phillip.'
Leader Live
6 hours ago
- Leader Live
Man charged with murder of 32-year-old mother-of-three
Police were called to Wadham Road, Portsmouth, at 7.37am on June 5, following the discovery of the body of 32-year-old Samantha Murphy. A Hampshire Constabulary spokesman said that Charlie Jeans, of Margate Road, Southsea, had been charged with murder and remanded into custody to appear at Portsmouth Magistrates' Court later. He added that a 41-year-old man from Portsmouth arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender had been released on conditional bail until September 9. Two other men, a 32-year-old from Petersfield and a 32-year-old from Havant – who were previously arrested on suspicion of murder, have been released on conditional bail until September 5. In a tribute released through Hampshire Constabulary, Ms Murphy's family said: 'Sammie-Jo, our bright, smiling soul, radiated joy to everyone she met. 'She was a devoted mother to her three beautiful children, the bubbly baby sister who brought laughter and light to her siblings, and the fun-loving auntie who adored her nieces and nephews. 'Sam was the friend everyone went to for advice and a compassionate ear. 'Our gracious host at Halloween and Christmas, Sam's home was always filled with warmth and cheer. 'She was strong-willed and determined, yet her kindness shone through, always quick to see the good in everyone. 'Sam loved her music and dancing, truly embodying the life and soul of every party. 'Her singing voice, especially when she belted out her version of Amy Winehouse's Back To Black, never failed to draw admiration and applause. 'That mischievous and cheeky spirit she had as the youngest sister never faded; it was part of her charm, alongside her quirky little laugh, which continued to delight us into adulthood. 'Her loss has left an immense void. 'For her mother, it's not just the loss of a daughter, but of a best friend and constant companion. 'Her brother and sisters, whose bond with Sam was so rare and special, are utterly devastated by this unimaginable absence. 'We take comfort in knowing Sam would want her family and friends to pull together, ensuring her children are always protected and surrounded with the love she so generously gave. 'Love from your mum Denise, your three beautiful children, older sisters Louise, Jodie and Kelly, big brother Carl and brother-in-law Ollie, your wonderful friends Marissa, Emma and Charlene, and from your dad Phillip.'
