A Northumbria Police officer has been dismissed without notice for sending a series of "inappropriate" text messages to a female he considered to be "highly vulnerable".
PC Callum McLennan was dismissed from the force on Monday following an independently-chaired misconduct hearing at Houghton Police Station, in which the panel concluded that Mr McLennan's actions had amounted to Gross Misconduct.
The panel heard that Mr McLennan had engaged in a series of "unprofessional and inappropriate" text messages with a female, referred to as Ms A, after responding to a call for concern about her safety. Ms A was deemed to be at "high risk of domestic violence" at the time as her ex-partner had learned that she had entered into a new relationship.
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After responding to a call for concern for Ms A's safety on February 4, 2021, it was alleged that Mr McLennan began sending text messages to Ms A from his work mobile phone with the intention to develop a relationship with her. It was reported that Mr McLennan believed there to be a "mutual attraction" and his communication continued with Ms A for around three weeks.
It was alleged that during his communication with Ms A, Mr McLennan, who became a Northumbria Police officer in 2017, sent a series of text messages ending with an "x", indicating a kiss. It was also alleged that in text messages sent on February 10, 2021, Mr McLennan referred to himself as "lonely" and later sent a text which read "I just want to be loved haha x", before asking Ms A if she had a "single twin sister".
The panel heard that the allegations came to light when Ms A reported Mr McLennan's behaviour to police, however, Mr McLennan had taken the decision to end contact and admitted Gross Misconduct.
The hearing heard that PC McLennan had suffered from depression and PTSD and he had been drinking alcohol during that period. But while discussing the psychiatric report it was said his mental health was unlikely to have a bearing on the matter he was being investigated for, but his consumption of alcohol was more likely to.
Superintendent Steve Ammari, Head of the Professional Standards Department at Northumbria Police, said: "When we became aware of concerns relating to this individual we referred the case to the Independent Office for Police Conduct who carried out an investigation.
"At an independently-chaired misconduct hearing the officer was dismissed without notice.
"Callum McLennan abused his privileged position and his actions were completely unacceptable. His behaviour is in no way representative of the officers, staff and volunteers who continually display the highest levels of professionalism.
We have always been clear that we expect these standards to be maintained at all times. If anyone is found to have fallen below these we are committed to taking appropriate action."
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