AN EX-police officer would have been sacked had he still been serving after being found in possession of a controlled drug. 

Former Cumbria Police officer Mathew Carter was discovered with a controlled substance after being stopped by police in Manchester in September 2023.

At a misconduct hearing today (December 4), he was found to have breached the standards of professional behaviour, amounting to gross misconduct which would have justified dismissal had he still been with the service. 

He resigned before the hearing took place.

Chief constable Rob Carden, Cumbria Constabulary, said: “The actions of the former Police Constable, which included obtaining illegal drugs and being dishonest during a police interview, were unacceptable. 

“I can assure the public that the overwhelming majority of our officers conduct themselves in a manner we can all be extremely proud.

“When the high standards expected of officers are not maintained, those individuals will be held accountable.

“The result of the hearing will mean Carter is placed on the national Barred List."