Banbury police officer sacked over nose bite

PC Rebecca Barnett was fired from Thames Valley Police following a special misconduct hearing, chaired by the Chief Constable Francis Habgood.

It was deemed the conduct of the 34-year-old mother, of Wood End, Banbury, amounted to gross misconduct in that she breached the standards of professional behaviour in relation to discreditable conduct.

Deputy Chief Constable John Campbell said: “Barnett’s actions were very much below the standards expected of an off duty police officer.

“Barnett has been convicted of a violent offence and it would be completely unacceptable for her to continue in her duties protecting the public as a serving police officer.”

Barnett became involved in argument with a woman at an event on Addison Road in Banbury while off duty on June 10.

The now former officer grabbed the woman, and bit her on the nose, causing a significant injury, which required surgery and has left the victim with permanent scarring, police said.

Barnett pleaded guilty to a charge of inflicting GBH but not guilty to doing it with intent at Oxford Crown Court on February 28.

She is due to be sentenced at the same court on June 11.