Police federation back cannabis hat PC Simon Ryan who was sacked following disciplinary hearing

North Yorkshire Police Federation have given their backing to an officer sacked for wearing a woolly hat with 'I Love Weed' on while on patrol.

On Monday a panel ruled Pc Simon Ryan of North Yorkshire Police was found to have committed gross misconduct after he wrote "paedo" and "paedophile" on a CV during an investigation into an allegation of child abuse. The hearing was told he did it to amuse colleagues.

Ten days later, he was on duty when he wore a hat with a cannabis logo and the message "I love weed", both in the office and while on mobile patrol.

On Tuesday the panel concluded that the appropriate sanction "wasdismissal without notice demonstrating the gravity attached by the panel to the gross misconduct".

The hearing at the police headquarters is the first disciplinary the force hasheld where the public and press are allowed to attend.

PC Brad Jackson, deputy secretary of North Yorkshire Police Federation,spoke outside of the hearing on behalf of PC Ryan.

The panel chairman, Lindsey Hall, told Pc Ryan: "The public have the right to expect the highest standards of behaviour and conduct from the police officers who serve them."

She said his admission of defacing the CV - described during the hearing astampering with evidence - would have to be disclosed if he was allowed to remain in his job and if he was involved in searches as part of criminal proceedings.

That would affect his operational ability to carry out his duties, she said.

His barrister, Guy Ladenburg, had urged the panel on Monday to let him keep his job, saying he had played a "very poor practical joke" but was a diligent and hard-working officer of 13 years' experience.