A former PCSO who had patrolled the streets of Burton has been sentenced for two counts of fraud after Staffordshire Police brought charges against him for false timekeeping and unlawful claims for expenses.

The court heard that Leigh Yeomans had not worked on 33 full days and had falsely submitted 24 expense claims.

Yeomans received a 12-month suspended sentence when he appeared at Stafford Crown Court.

The 35-year-old will also undertake 250 hours of unpaid work in the next year and repay £8,216.44 compensation in full to Staffordshire Police, as well as £340 legal costs.

He had earlier pleaded guilty to the charges at Southern Derbyshire Magistrates’ Court on July 10.

Staffordshire Police Chief Constable Gareth Morgan said: "The public has the right to expect the highest levels of honesty and integrity from the officers and staff in Staffordshire Police. I have the same expectations as Chief Constable.

"Leigh Yeomans failed to meet those expectations and has been convicted of dishonesty. He will be repaying the public money he stole. This matter came to notice when colleagues became suspicious and reported it and I am grateful to them.

"They did the right thing and they are a reminder that the vast majority of staff are honest, hard-working professionals."

Yeomans, of The Laurels, Fazeley, Tamworth, was suspended in March 2016. He resigned as a PCSO the following June.