A police constable who took his ex-girlfriend out in a marked police car while on holiday has been found guilty of gross misconduct.

An accelerated police misconduct hearing heard how in January, Jacob Knower entered Tunbridge Wells Police Station while on annual leave and took a marked vehicle out for his own private use.

The hearing heard the vehicle was taken without the consent of Kent Police and PC Knower wasn't wearing uniform at the time.

Knower had access to the police station and cars using his access codes which are monitored.

He then drove the car around, picking up a female friend who he had previously had a relationship with, and drove her around.

When determining whether he maintained the reputation of the police, upheld their high standards and deterred misconduct to protect the public, he was found guilty of gross misconduct at a hearing on March 31.

Explaining the decision Chief Constable Alan Pughsley said: "The facts are overwhelming both in admissions from Mr Knower and independently supported through the investigation.

"There is no doubt that Mr Knower took the police car from Tunbridge Wells Police Station as described.

"He was not at work or indeed on duty in any capacity. He drove the vehicle without appropriate consent, breaking the law, rules and regulations and exhibiting extremely poor judgement and behaviour.

"He had no permission to do this and therefore drove without any insurance. He carried a member of the public in the vehicle with him driving this journey.

"All of this is completely unacceptable. My finding is clear and obvious, it is one of gross misconduct."

Knower was suspended from the force following the breach and resigned while under investigation.

The hearing heard he would've been dismissed from the force if he had still been a member of staff.

A police spokesman said: "In this instance, prompt disciplinary proceedings and the officer leaving the force was in the public’s best interest rather than a lengthy suspension whilst a criminal case was pursued, which is unlikely to have resulted in a custodial sentence."