Blackheath cop fired after cannabis found growing in her house

A British Transport Police (BTP) officer has been sacked after cannabis plants were found growing in her house.

PC Amy Byrne, based in Blackheath, Lewisham, was dismissed for gross misconduct after police officers discovered the illegal drugs at her address in June 2021, following an incident with a person who lived nearby.

The BTP said attending officers had cause to search PC Byrne’s address and found a hydroponics tent and two cannabis plants, bags with cannabis inside, a half-smoked cannabis joint, a pack of cannabis seeds and correspondence sent to PC Byrne at the address.

PC Byrne identified herself as a BTP officer and had told the officers that she did not live at the address, claiming she lived with her mother.

The officer answered allegations that she breached the standards of professional behaviour at a hearing held at Force Headquarters on Tuesday.

The Chief Constable found that PC Byrne’s actions amounted to gross misconduct, and she has been dismissed from the force with immediate effect.

Chief Constable Lucy D’Orsi said: “As police officers we take an oath to serve with fairness, integrity and impartiality. There is no place in BTP for officers who are involved in criminality, or who turn a blind-eye to the actions of those closest to them.

“My decision to dismiss Amy Byrne with immediate effect demonstrates the commitment I have to upholding the values and standards of BTP. Nobody wants people who behave like this in BTP.

“I would encourage anyone who finds themselves in circumstances where criminality is taking place, or you are concerned about being in breach of the values or standards, to reach out to us. You can talk to your line manager, PSD, or Wellbeing. We do care, and we can help.”

(Picture: PXHere)