TWO former police officers have had allegations of breaching standards of professional behaviour proven against them.

Mark McCallum and Lee Colgate were the subject of separate accelerated misconduct hearings chaired by the chief constable at Sussex Police HQ in Lewes on Friday.

The allegations were proven and both officers would have been dismissed from the force, had they still been serving.

PC Mark McCallum faced allegations of breaching standards of professional behaviour in respect of honesty and integrity and failing to carry out orders and instructions.

The 44-year-old used police owned vehicles when he was off duty and on leave and then claimed mileage expenses in March and April this year.

The police officer submitted a full admission of these allegations and resigned on July 22 ahead of the hearing.

PC Lee Colgate faced allegations of breaching standards of professional behaviour of discreditable conduct, honesty and integrity and fitness for duty after he pleaded guilty to a charge of drink-driving while off duty in August 2020.

The 50-year-old appeared at Staines Magistrates' Court on June 1 and was disqualified from driving for 12 months.

He resigned from the force in January this year and has admitted to these allegations.

Chief constable Jo Shiner said: "I expect our officers to act with the upmost integrity, and in accordance with the force’s values, the Code of Ethics and the Standards of Professional Behaviour.

“The actions of these officers fell short of that, and there is no place in Sussex Police for such behaviour.

“I am extremely proud of the staff, officers and volunteers working for Sussex Police. The unacceptable conduct that has been heard today will not be tolerated. This poor behaviour should not overshadow the hard work of others.”