A POLICE watchdog has slammed a former officer over an 'abuse of position'. 

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has said an application will be made for former PC Andrea Griffiths 'to be placed on the barred list' after she admitted gross misconduct.

A misconduct hearing at North Wales Police's headquarters in Colwyn Bay on Monday (December 9) heard how the former officer had engaged in 'sexual activity' with a vulnerable man she had been assigned to.

Griffiths resigned from her position before the hearing took place and the IOPC has said her actions 'have no place in policing'.

Director for Major Investigations Steve Noonan said: “Police personnel who abuse their position for sexual purpose have no place in policing and our research shows this is one of the areas of police conduct that most concerns the general public.

“North Wales Police took this case seriously and carried out a thorough investigation into the allegation against former PC Griffiths, under our supervision.

“Strong evidence was gathered about her inappropriate contact with a vulnerable member of the public, and the officer admitted gross misconduct and resigned from the force today (Monday December 9).

"A scheduled misconduct hearing went ahead in her absence and the independent panel has agreed an application will be made for her to be placed on the barred list.

“We are keen for police forces to refer all allegations of abuse of position for sexual purpose to us, so we can provide guidance and knowledge to help identify this abuse of trust as early as possible.”