A WORK-from-home detective jammed down a button on his keyboard to make it seem he was busy, a panel will hear.
Det Con Niall Thubron, pictured above, allegedly used the trick 38 times in 12 days.
He wanted to make sure his computer keyboard was not dormant for long periods which would have been flagged to his line manager at force HQ.
But his alleged deceit was rumbled and senior detectives have accused DC Thubron, then investigating organised crime gangs, of hoodwinking them.
The Durham Police officer was stationed at Stanley before being seconded to the North East Regional Organised Crime Unit.
A talented footballer who has represented England Police, DC Thubron has now left the force but will still face a misconduct hearing at Peterlee police station today.
The charges against him state: “It is alleged that whilst the officer was working from home, there were 38 occasions over 12 days where the officer engaged in a process called key jamming, whereby the officer selected a character on the keyboard which was then fixed to type continuously for prolonged periods of time.”
Durham Police said: “The allegation is that the former officer has breached standards of professional behaviour relating to honesty and integrity, duties and responsibilities and discreditable conduct.
“It is alleged that this conduct, if proven, amounts to gross misconduct and is so serious as to justify dismissal.”
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