AN off duty police officer appeared drunk as he sat in first class on a train without a valid ticket, it is alleged.

Former PC Steven Marshall is also accused of being "intimidating, disrespectful and discriminatory" towards a member of the public.

He now faces an Avon and Somerset Police misconduct hearing at the force HQ in Portishead.

At the hearing on Monday, June 12, it will be alleged that Marshall's behaviour breached the Standards of Professional Behaviour for police officers through discreditable conduct; honesty and integrity; equality and diversity; and authority, respect and courtesy.

A notice of the hearing says: "It is alleged that in November 2021, whilst off-duty, PC Marshall boarded a train and sat in the first class carriage despite not holding a valid ticket which allowed him to do so.

"When challenged by train staff, PC Marshall appeared intoxicated and produced his warrant card.

"It is also alleged that, during the train journey, PC Marshall was intimidating, disrespectful and discriminatory towards the member of the public."

If proven, the allegations would amount to gross misconduct.