A police officer convicted of careless driving when he knocked a cyclist off his bike now faces the possibility of the sack.

PC Lee Jarvis was given six penalty points on his licence after he pleaded guilty to the offence when he appeared at Newcastle Crown Court.

The Cleveland Police officer is now facing misconduct charges from the force for breach of professional behaviour, use of force and discreditable conduct following his conviction.

The charges, which have been published on the force website, reads: “The officer is alleged to have breached the Standards of Professional Behaviour in respect of Use of Force relating to an allegation that on Wednesday 8th September 2021, the officer drove a police vehicle into collision with a pedal cycle ridden by a member of the public causing him to fall off the pedal cycle and into the road, suffering minor injuries, and Discreditable Conduct.

“On Friday 23rd June 2023, PC Jarvis attended Newcastle Crown Court where he pleaded guilty to the criminal offence of Careless Driving. Consequently, he was fined, with his Driving Licence endorsed with six penalty points and ordered to pay prosecution costs.

See more court stories from The Northern Echo by clicking here

Get more from The Northern Echo with a digital subscription. Get access for £3 for 3 months or 30% off an annual subscription. Offer ends on Wednesday, September 11. Click her for details.

“Use of Force - Police officers only use force to the extent that it is necessary, proportionate and reasonable in all the circumstances.

“Discreditable Conduct - Police officers behave in a manner which does not discredit the police service or undermine public confidence in it, whether on or off duty.”

The misconduct hearing will take place on Tuesday, September 10 in Stockton.

Members of the public are required to register on the force website if they wish to attend.