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A former police officer convicted of assault would have been dismissed from the force had she not already resigned, a misconduct panel has ruled.

Ex-Detective Sargeant Joanne Marston resigned from Gwent Police shortly before a public hearing on Monday January 12, which she did not attend.

An investigation by the force’s professional standards department found the former officer had breached the professional standards of behaviour regarding discreditable conduct.

It was alleged that DS Marston had assaulted a man while she was off duty in Devon in February 2024.

She was later arrested and charged with common assault before appearing at Exeter Magistrates’ Court in March last year.

Finding the allegation as proven as gross misconduct, Assistant Chief Constable Vicki Townsend, who chaired the hearing, said: “The actions of this former officer were both shocking and unacceptable; neither we nor the public accept such behaviour from police officers whether on or off duty.

“While the vast majority of our officers, staff, and volunteers conduct themselves impeccably while working to protect our communities, it is behaviour like that shown by this former officer which undermines public trust and confidence in policing.”

She added: “There is no place in Gwent Police for those who act in this fashion; it is right that the public expects their officers to uphold the highest standards which this former officer has failed to do.”

DS Marston will now be placed on the College of Policing’s barred list.