Police Officer Jailed For Benefit Fraud

A police officer who lied to cover up a £20,000 benefit fraud has been jailed.

PC Steven Cook, 38, of West Midlands Police admitted to perverting the course of justice after his girlfriend wrongly claimed housing, income support and tax benefits over a two-and-a-half years period.

He was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment and ordered to pay £750 costs at Wolverhampton Crown Court.

He was suspended from the force when the allegations came to light and will now face gross misconduct disciplinary proceedings.

Ch Insp Brian Carmichael of West Midlands Police said: "We demand the highest standards from all our officers and PC Cook failed to show the level of honesty and integrity we expect from someone in such a position of trust."