Police officer sentenced for theft
A serving officer with Devon & Cornwall Police has today, Tuesday 26 November, been sentenced to an 18-month community order for theft from a shop in Bideford.
Police Constable Christopher Spence, aged 44, who is based in North Devon, appeared before Exeter Crown Court, where he had previously pleaded guilty to a charge of theft from a shop, following an incident at Lidl, in Bideford, on Monday 12 February.
He was given an 18-month community order, told to do 150 hours unpaid work, pay £300 towards prosecution costs within 12 months, as well as a victim surcharge and £30 compensation to the store.
Spence was seen on CCTV placing a number of items in his rucksack but only paying for one thing which he kept in the open and leaving the store.
Spence, who was off duty at the time of the offence, is now subject to misconduct proceedings within the Force. He has been suspended from duty since his arrest.
Following sentencing, Superintendent Toby Davies, Commander in North and West Devon, said:
“We are deeply disappointed by the actions of Chris Spence, particularly given his neighbourhood role within the community.
“First and foremost, I want to assure our community that the action of one individual does not reflect the values or integrity of our local officers. We are committed to maintaining the highest levels of trust and confidence in the community we serve, and I would like to assure the public that such incidents are rare.
“This behaviour undermines all those officers who behave to the highest standards day in, day out, keeping our area safe.
“As we move forwards, we will continue to be open and transparent, and hold ourselves accountable, and we will work hard to ensure that the actions of one individual does not undermine the confidence and trust we have worked so hard to build.”