A POLICE officer who obtained and disclosed personal data has been dismissed with immediate effect.

PC Kate Buesing, who was based in Evesham, shared the information with a third party.

The hearing found that PC Buesing breached the standards of professional behaviour, in particular those relating to confidentiality, orders and instructions and discreditable conduct.

Superintendent Helena Bennett, head of professional standards for West Mercia Police said: "The misconduct hearing found that the behaviour of PC Buesing fell below the standards we expect from our officers and staff and amounted to gross misconduct and it is for this reason she was dismissed without notice."

The officer had completed 14 years' service with West Mercia Police, most recently based at Evesham.

PC Buesing was convicted at Warwick Crown Court on August 31 of two offences under the Data Protection Act, consisting of one charge of obtaining personal data and one charge of disclosing personal data.

The hearing – conducted by Chief Constable Anthony Bangham – follows an investigation by the Professional Standards Department (PSD).

The outcome of the misconduct hearing is subject to the normal appeals process.