Police officer caught stealing spider

A police officer has been given a written warning for stealing a decorative spider from a suspect's garden.

PC Stuart Ellis intended to make an arrest at an address in Brighton on 5 December, but when there was no answer, he took the eight-legged Halloween ornament from the garden instead.

His actions were spotted on a doorbell camera and reported to Sussex Police.

At a misconduct hearing on 25 and 26 March, the 47-year-old's behaviour was found to be discreditable conduct and a breach of the professional behaviour standards of integrity. He was given a written warning, which will stay on file for 18 months.

The panel was chaired by Assistant Chief Constable Peter Gardner.

It heard how PC Ellis "was seen to walk over to a Halloween decoration, disconnect a decorative spider, and place it in his pocket".

"He then walked away from the garden and towards the police vehicle, having taken the item from the front garden", said Sussex Police in a statement.

"The item was later recovered and returned to its owner after they made a complaint to the force."

The misconduct hearing also considered the actions of PC Sophie Douglas, 33, who attended the address alongside PC Ellis.

The panel found that PC Douglas had no case to answer.

Det Spt Andy Wolstenholme, deputy head of professional standards at Sussex Police, said: "Where Sussex Police receives complaints from members of the public about the conduct of our officers, it is right and proper that we investigate."

He added the misconduct process meant staff "can account for their actions in an open and transparent process".

Follow BBC Sussex on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected] or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.