A police officer based in Reading has been dismissed after he made homophobic remarks in the office - and sang an anti-gay rendition of George Michael's 'Last Christmas'.

A panel heard that Police Constable Leon Cunningham made a series of offensive comments while at Reading Police Station.

On one occasion, he suggested to another officer that an individual's sexuality could be changed - while on another, he sung a homophobic version of 'Last Christmas', including a number of offensive slurs.

On another occasion after hearing a pair of female colleagues burping, PC Cunningham texted another officer, referring to the women as 'hoes'.

The offensive remarks date back to 2022.

A colleague in a same-sex relationship told a Thames Valley Police disciplinary panel that PC Cunningham's remarks created an unpleasant working environment for her.

The panel ruled: "She [the colleague] said she felt unable to speak openly about her plans with her female partner after the officer’s comments implied that being gay was a choice."

In November 2022, colleagues heard PC Cunningham singing a homophobic version of George Michael's 'Last Christmas'.

It allegedly included a slur, and the lyric: "Last Christmas, I gave you my heart, but the very next day, you said you were gay."

Justifying his views on same-sex relationships, PC Cunningham cited his religious beliefs.

The panel noted that the comments were made in the context of a 'debate' at the police station, and that the officer did not volunteer his views unprompted.

The disciplinary report notes: "He [PC Cunningham] did not realise at the time that the conversation, which was an open and frank exchange of views, may have caused offence."

Nevertheless, the panel ruled that the officer's conduct violated the 'dignity' of colleagues.

He accepted that his use of the term 'hoes' was offensive.

In relation to the 'Last Christmas' rendition, PC Cunningham disputed precisely which lyrics he changed - while still acknowledging he used a homophobic slur.

Overall, the panel ruled that the officer should be dismissed without notice.

The report states: "His conduct is serious and clearly poses a potential risk of repetition to colleagues and members of the public with protected characteristics."

The panellists add: "The officer's behaviour clearly undermines public trust and confidence in policing.

"If left unmarked in an inappropriate manner, it would send the wrong message that such conduct will be tolerated, and that respect and dignity for groups sharing protected characteristics are not high priorities for TVP."