Former PC James Tillcock took loose change from a car he had searched after its owner was arrested in Kidlington, Oxfordshire, on 21 June.

He reported that no items were taken from the car but body worn video that Mr Tillcock recorded while searching it showed him taking the coins.

On being served with misconduct papers on 2 July, he admitted being “very silly” and said he took £2 to pay off the tuck shop debt.

According to Thames Valley Police (TVP), Mr Tillcock told investigators: “It’s alright, I know why you are here. I was very silly. I was in debt for £2 to the tuck shop and took £2.”

The remaining 50p was to “purchase chocolate bars for his children”, the papers state.

Mr Tillcock, who was previously based in Bicester, received a caution for theft.