NewsUK NewsPoliceFormer PC William Matthews has been banned from the profession over messages which 'indicated familiarity and association to controlled drug use and recreational use of Nitrous Oxide gas'09:17, 31 Aug 2026A police officer has been banned from the profession following a misconduct hearing.‌Former police constable William Matthews showed "no remorse" after sending and receiving messages which "indicated familiarity and association to controlled drug use and recreational use of Nitrous Oxide gas", the hearing was told.‌Former PC Matthews was working within the firearms department at Cheshire Constabulary. He would have been sacked had he not already resigned on August 3, ahead of the hearing.‌In addition to the messages, he was also said to have "undertook online activity which indicated familiarity and association to controlled drug use and recreational use of Nitrous Oxide gas". The hearing found the allegations to be proven, Manchester Evening News reports.Chief Constable Mark Roberts ruled former PC Matthews’ conduct was "undoubtedly gross misconduct".In the published judgement, Chief Constable Roberts said: "He received and sent messages between 1st May and 14th November 2025 that indicated familiarity with, and association to, controlled drug use and recreational use of Nitrous Oxide gas."‌He said the former constable was working within the firearms department during that period."I have no doubt that if the messages in question were seen by members of the pubic either individually or collectively it would seriously undermine trust and confidence in policing," he said."He has shown no remorse for his actions, nor has he provided a credible explanation. This conduct will not be tolerated within Cheshire Constabulary.Article continues below"The only appropriate disciplinary outcome in this case is dismissal without notice, had the former officer not previously resigned. A lesser sanction than dismissal would not serve to uphold the high standards and deter such conduct in the future."His name will be added to the College of Policing's Barred List, preventing him from working in the profession ever again.The content of the messages were not revealed.Choose Daily Mirror as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.‌Nitrous OxideCheshire PolicePolice