A SENIOR officer at Cheshire Police said Griffiths’ behaviour ‘brought the service into disrepute’.

John Sam Griffiths joined the Cheshire Constabulary in 2003 and served in Ellesmere Port and Warrington.

He resigned in April. His colleague Mike Burton was also arrested and released without charge. He also resigned and the court heard during the trial that he had got Griffiths into cocaine use.

DS John Armstrong, of Cheshire’s professional standards department said "The constabulary expects the highest standards of conduct and behaviour from its officers and staff.

“Where wrongdoing is reported or suspected, a thorough and impartial investigation will take place.

“In this particular case, Sam Griffiths brought the constabulary and its people into disrepute by engaging in blatant criminality and he will now face the consequences of his actions.

“Improper conduct and criminality committed by those who are appointed to protect the public and uphold the law, will not be tolerated and will be dealt with robustly.

“Any officer who misconducts themselves in this or any other manner, will be subject to a thorough investigation and will face significant likelihood of a criminal prosecution and swift removal from the force.

“Random and intelligence-led drug testing are adopted by the force and any officer may be subject to spontaneous testing."