A long-serving police officer has been sacked after admitting to smoking cannabis every day.

PC Justin Carter, who was based in Thanet, had been in the county's force for 17 years, was found to have the drug at his home after a search by officers.

A police misconduct hearing on Tuesday heard how he refused to take a drugs test on July 21 "without good cause".

When he was asked during interview why he would not give a sample, he said: "I've done nothing wrong."

Later the same day, a search was conducted of his home where officers found a sealed jar and a plastic packet which both contained a substance.

The former officer then admitted in an interview it was cannabis belonging to him and that he had used it "every day".

'"PC Carter’s actions were entirely unbecoming of a police officer and it is appropriate that he has been dismissed without notice...'

On July 22 in Grays Police Station in Essex he accepted a caution for the possession of cannabis.

Speaking at the hearing, barrister Elliot Gold described PC Carter's actions as a "substantial public discredit".

"In consequence of his taking of cannabis every day, he would have performed policing duties and done so when it may have been unsafe for him to do so in a variety of different respects," he said.

He said PC Carter, who did not attend the hearing and did not make any representations, could have exposed both members of the public and his colleagues to potential risk due to his habit.

His actions could have also opened him up to funding of criminality and the potential of blackmail.

Mr Gold added that he had "behaved dishonestly" by not admitting to his drug-use before the search of his home and "failed in his duties and responsibilities".

Upon hearing the evidence, it was determined that his actions amounted to gross misconduct and he was dismissed from the force without notice.

Chief constable Alan Pughsley, who chaired the hearing, said: "PC Carter’s actions are in clear and obvious contradiction to the conduct of the vast majority of my officers, who serve the public with a great sense of pride, integrity and professionalism.

"The public have every right to expect the highest standards of professionalism are maintained at all times and it is entirely right that those who fail to reach them are held to account.

"PC Carter’s actions were entirely unbecoming of a police officer and it is appropriate that he has been dismissed without notice."

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