A DETECTIVE is accused of sending 'flirty and sexual' texts and Whatsapp messages to a domestic abuse victim.

Richard Jeffcoate is accused of breaching the standards of professional behaviour expected of him and will now face the heads of the force at a misconduct hearing next week.

The Detective Constable allegedly chatted with the victim for two months last year and then gave an 'incomplete and inaccurate' account of his relationship with them when asked by his supervisor.

Read more: 13 Oxfordshire-based police officers who faced misconduct hearings

DC Jeffcoate also checked the Thames Valley Police database for personal reasons – which is against the rules.

The allegations are so serious that if proven he could be fired for gross misconduct.

The officer, who is based in Windsor, is still working for the force but has been 'restricted' in what he can do.

The meeting will give him the chance to put across his version of events in front of a legally qualified chairperson, John Bassett.

It will take place in private on the back of the coronavirus pandemic, on April 28 but details will be published on the conclusion afterwards.