Misconduct officer pleads guilty

A detective constable at Staffordshire Police has pleaded guilty to misconduct in public office.

Mark Morgan, 43, was arrested by anti-corruption officers while working in north Staffordshire and suspended when he was charged in June.

Morgan pleaded guilty to the charge at Birmingham Crown Court and is due to be sentenced on 5 December.

A statement from the force said Morgan's actions had "deeply disappointed" colleagues.

It said his actions also let down the communities served by Staffordshire Police and it was committed to dealing "swiftly and firmly" with allegations of criminal misconduct by officers.

The statement said: "We are very proud that the overwhelming majority of Staffordshire Police officers and staff work hard and with integrity to serve their communities and inspire trust and confidence in the force.

"We will always confront and thoroughly investigate cases of corruption and malpractice on the rare occasions they arise and, where necessary, ensure that firm action is taken."