A police sergeant from Kent has been dismissed from the force following a disturbing series of threats directed at a local driving school. Gabriel Chandler, who had served with Kent Police since 2002, engaged in a relentless campaign of harassment against Intensives UK after his son was unable to complete the necessary requirements for an intensive driving course.
A Misguided Crusade
The misconduct hearing, which took place from 8 to 12 December 2025, unveiled a troubling pattern of behaviour from Chandler, who made as many as 50 calls a day to the driving school’s office. His actions stemmed from a failed attempt by his son to pass a theory test, a prerequisite for the course that Chandler had already paid £1,359 for in June 2021, including a non-refundable deposit.
After his son did not meet the requirements, Chandler sought a full refund. While he was offered £1,122 in March 2022, he rejected the offer, leading to an escalation in his behaviour. The hearing revealed that Chandler’s communications included false and malicious claims about the driving school’s operations, alleging connections to serious criminal activities such as drug trafficking and child exploitation.
Disturbing Threats and Online Harassment
Chandler’s communications were anything but professional. In one of his emails dated 11 March, he introduced himself as “Detective Sergeant Gabriel Candler at your service” and ominously invited the school’s owner, Mark Elliot, to contact him anytime, boasting of his track record in law enforcement. He escalated his threats, warning the company that their “homes and offices will be raided” and that they would face “heavy custodial sentences.”
His barrage of calls was compounded by a series of malicious online reviews where he accused the driving school of fraud and demanded that they return money he claimed they had “stolen” from customers. In one particularly aggressive email on 20 March, he stated, “You’re a thief. I will be on you relentlessly till I see you inside or you pay back my money.”
Such behaviour prompted Mr. Elliot to report the matter to the police in August 2022. In a twist of irony, Chandler later contacted his own department to claim he was being targeted by “criminals,” seemingly unaware of the consequences that awaited him.
The Hearing’s Findings
During the hearing, Chandler defended his actions, insisting he felt compelled to act aggressively to protect others he believed were being victimised by the driving school. However, the misconduct panel found this justification unconvincing. They concluded that he had misused his position as a police officer to intimidate and threaten Mr. Elliot and his business, leaving them with no choice but to dismiss him without notice.
The panel acknowledged Chandler’s experience and intelligence as an officer but could not condone his misconduct. They determined that his behaviour not only violated professional standards but also undermined the integrity of the police force.
Why it Matters
The dismissal of Sergeant Gabriel Chandler serves as a stark reminder of the responsibilities that come with authority. It highlights the importance of ethical conduct, especially for those in law enforcement. Such actions can erode public trust in police forces and the systems designed to protect citizens. In a world where accountability is essential, this case underscores the need for vigilance in maintaining professional standards and the consequences of failing to uphold them.
