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A former police officer who made sexualised comments about women, and used discriminatory language against the traveller community, would have been dismissed from the force had he not already resigned.

Wayne Tancock, a former constable at Gwent Police, made the comments while on duty in a police car.

An accelerated misconduct hearing was held at Gwent Police’s headquarters in Cwmbran on Tuesday April 28, over allegations he breached the force’s professional standards of behaviour. Tancock did not attend the hearing.

An investigation by Gwent Police’s Professional Standards Department (PSD) was launched in June last year, following a review of body-worn camera in which the former constable made the comments.

Gwent Police assistant chief constable Nick McLain, who chaired the accelerated misconduct hearing, ruled Tancock had breached three of the professional standards of behaviour: authority, respect and courtesy; equality and diversity; and discreditable conduct.

Finding the allegations as proven as gross misconduct, ACC McLain said: “The behaviour of this former officer was totally unacceptable. Neither we nor the public accept such conduct from police officers whether on or off duty.

“Our communities rightfully expect our officers and staff to uphold the highest standards of behaviour and not conduct themselves in a way which will cause public trust and confidence in the service to be undermined. However, this former officer has failed to do so.

“We will not accept misogyny, racism or discrimination from our officers or staff.”

ACC McLain added: “The vast majority of the police officers, staff, and volunteers who work for Gwent Police conduct themselves impeccably and work tirelessly to protect the public. Those very few who choose to breach the standards expected of them undermine the public’s trust in policing.”

Tancock will be placed on the College of Policing’s barred list.