A FORMER Southampton police officer has been jailed for three years after admitting three counts of misconduct in a public office.

Rebecca Swanston, 28, disclosed information and intelligence to alleged criminals between January and October last year.

Swanston who used to work for Hampshire Constabulary, entered her pleas at Winchester Crown Court today.

Swanston, of Lomond Close, Portsmouth, was based at Southampton Central Police Station at the time of the alleged offences.

Detective superintendent Colin Smith, head of Hampshire Constabulary’s Professional Standards Department, said: “Rebecca Swanston’s corrupt behaviour and reckless associations with known criminals went totally and utterly against the values of honesty and integrity required of her as a police officer.

“In that role, she was given privileged access to sensitive information. However, she abused her position by illegally viewing and disclosing unauthorised information.

“The force’s Anti-Corruption Unit conducted a full and thorough investigation against former PC Swanston to bring her to justice and to swiftly minimise the impact of her corruption to the individuals she put at risk and the investigations she hindered.

“Misconduct proceedings commenced as quickly as possible following her arrest and she was dismissed from the force.

“I would like to praise the actions of the police officers and staff who showed a high level of personal and professional integrity in coming forward to raise their concerns.

“Their actions demonstrate that former PC Swanston’s behaviour is in no way typical of Hampshire Constabulary employees who are dedicated day in and day out to protecting the communities of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.”