A police officer has been admonished in connection with the "body in the cupboard" murder at Thorpe.

The family of murder victim Justin Chant had complained about the officer, and he has now been punished for the way he dealt with Chant's relations.

In 2001, Stephen Sullivan was jailed for life for the killing of 24-year-old Justin Chant. He had tortured and starved him while keeping him in a cupboard in Byng Crescent, Thorpe.

A police spokeswoman said: "An Essex police officer faced an internal disciplinary hearing on July 31, when it was found he had breached police regulations with regard to politeness and tolerance.

"A financial penalty was imposed."

She added that as it was an internal matter, the police would be making no further comment. Police declined to say how much the penalty was.

Published Tuesday, August 5, 2003

Brought to you by the Evening Gazette