A Barnet police constable has been cleared of gross misconduct for breaching confidentiality.

Stephen Barker attended a public hearing this week to answer allegations that his conduct amounted to a breach of the standards of professional behaviour in regards to honesty and integrity, authority, respect and courtesy and discreditable conduct.

It was claimed that on December 7, 2016, former PC Barker - who is now retired - accessed the Police National Computer to carry out a check on a vehicle for a non-policing purpose and then shared this information with a third party.

After hearing the evidence, the panel concluded that allegations of breaches in the standards of confidentiality and discreditable conduct were proven.

However, allegations of breaches in the standards of honesty and integrity, authority, respect and courtesy were not proven.

Had PC Barker still have been a serving officer he would not have been dismissed from service.

The panel found that his actions did not amount to gross misconduct.