Pc stole dead man's betting slips

A former Devon policeman has been jailed for stealing a dead man's betting slips and cashing them in.

John Fleet, 28, from Torquay, took the two slips, worth £59.21, after he was called to the man's home in Paignton in July to arrange removing the body.

Fleet was sentenced to two months for the theft and 12 months for perverting the course of justice, to run concurrently, after pleading guilty.

The former constable resigned from the Devon and Cornwall force in August.

Log changed

Stephen Lawrence, 56, died from a heart attack at his home.

Fleet was sent to help with the removal of his body on 30 July. He took the slips and cashed them the following day.

He was caught when Mr Lawrence's sister, Diane Adams, later visited the same bookmakers and was told by staff a man had collected her brother's winnings.

Plymouth Crown Court heard Fleet then contacted Mrs Adams to try to get her to withdraw the complaint. He also changed the police log to say the incident was dealt with and was closed.

Judge Francis Gilbert QC said the case was a tragedy for Fleet, who had had "a good career" ahead of him.

He said: "You lost it for the sake of two betting slips worth £59.21.

"That was bad enough behaviour from a police officer, but then you committed a significantly more serious offence. You perverted the course of justice by trying to terminate the investigation."

Defending counsel Andrew Maitland said Fleet had a gambling addiction and that the father-of-one wished to offer a total and unreserved apology for his behaviour.

A spokesman for Devon and Cornwall Police said Fleet had breached public trust and the force hoped the prosecution would help restore confidence in it.