A SERVING police officer has been handed a suspended sentence after being found guilty of perverting the course of justice.

PC Donna Coker was found guilty on June 21 of perverting the course of justice in relation to a police collision that took place in Ealing in 2017.

She was sentenced on July 19 to 18 month's imprisonment, suspended for two years, and has also been handed a six-month curfew requirement.

On August 6 2017, PC Varinder Sehmi was driving a marked police vehicle going westbound along Uxbridge Road towards the junction with Dane Road, in response to an emergency call.

The front of the police car collided with a vehicle at the junction with Dane Road, with a member of the public receiving serious injuries as a result.

The incident was immediately reported to the Department of Professional Standards (DPS) and the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

All officers who attended the scene were asked to write a statement, including PC Coker.

A DPS officer noticed a number of inconsistencies in her statement and the statement of one other officer, which was subsequently flagged to the investigation team.

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A full review took place and PC Coker was charged with perverting the course of justice in March 2020.

PC Sehmi was found guilty of causing serious injury by dangerous driving on March 12.

He was sentenced to nine months' imprisonment, suspended for 18 months, and given a two-year driving ban.

Following the conclusion of criminal proceedings, PC Coker will face a special case hearing for gross misconduct.

Chief Superintendent Peter Gardner, who is in charge of policing in West London, said: "Perverting the course of justice is a serious crime and goes against everything we stand for in the police.

"The jury have heard how PC Coker tailored her statement to try and absolve PC Sehmi of any wrongdoing.

"I am deeply disappointed that an officer has behaved in such a way.

"It is vital for public confidence that people trust our officers to behave honestly and with integrity.

"We will continue to ensure officers are acting to the highest degree of professionalism and where they fall short, we will take robust action and hold them to account."