Devon and Cornwall police has reacted to the sentence haned to a Helston police officer, saying his "wholly inappropriate and criminal" acts saw him rightly convicted and jailed.

PC Chris Higgs was sentenced to five years and three months in jail following conviction for 16 criminal offences including blackmail, perverting the course of justice, witness interference and fraud.

PC Higgs, who served as a response officer in the Helston area, was arrested in relation to the above charges and has been suspended from duties since January 2013.

He was described as a ‘disgrace to Devon & Cornwall Police’ at the court hearing in Plymouth.

PC Higgs will now be subject to a fast track internal disciplinary process.

Detective Superintendent Sam De Reya said: “PC Higgs has acted in a wholly inappropriate and criminal manner for which he has rightly been convicted at court today.

“As soon as these allegations came to light, PC Higgs was suspended and a full investigation launched which identified the victims and witnesses who have supported the investigation and criminal case.

“As a priority the Chief Constable of Devon & Cornwall Police will now oversee a special case hearing to complete the misconduct process and finalise PC Higg’s current position as a police constable.

“This is in line with Home Office national guidance on how serving police officers should be dealt with when under consideration for criminal offences.”

Det Supt De Reya added: “Devon & Cornwall Police expects the highest ethical and professional conduct from all officers and staff operating within the force. PC Higgs’ actions have fallen well below the standards expected on a number of occasions resulting in criminal offences being identified.

“The offences significantly impacted the victims who were members of the public, colleagues, family and friends and our thoughts and considerations are with them as PC Higgs begins his custodial sentence.

“Professional integrity remains essential to all areas of policing and we will take proactive action whenever any officer or staff member falls short of expected standards.

“The vast majority of our staff demonstrate commitment on a daily basis to delivering a professional service to our communities.”