Understand
Lincolnshire police officer sacked for stealing energy drinks and snacks from a crime scene
Overview
PC Andrew Cookson, who served with Lincolnshire Police for nearly 24 years, has been dismissed without notice for gross misconduct after taking energy drinks and snacks from a cannabis factory crime scene in Gainsborough in January 2024. A disciplinary panel rejected his explanation that the items were police kit smelling of cannabis, concluding instead that he was deliberately dishonest and that his actions could undermine public trust in the police.
Key points
- PC Andrew Cookson was dismissed without notice by a Lincolnshire Police disciplinary panel.
- He was found to have stolen energy drinks, sweets, and other items from a cannabis factory discovered in Gainsborough in January 2024.
- CCTV footage showed Cookson transferring bags from a police van to his car at a Lincoln police station.
- Cookson claimed the bags contained his police kit smelling of cannabis, an explanation the panel deemed 'implausible'.
- The panel ruled that his actions breached standards of honesty, integrity, and discreditable conduct, amounting to gross misconduct.
- Cookson, who maintained his innocence, has been placed on the barred list for police forces.