A police officer who tipped off his son that he was a suspect in a Sidcup street mugging has been jailed for six months.

Detective Sergeant Darren McCabe's son was captured on CCTV allegedly watching while two youths attempted to steal a shoulder bag from a pedestrian.

Iain Forbes, a trainee detective constable at the time, was handling the investigation into the attempted theft.

He became "troubled" when he spotted it was his superior's son and sought advice from Det Sgt Mark Edgley, 47.

Southwark Crown Court heard McCabe, 50, was taken aside by Det Sgt Edgely, a friend and colleague, who allegedly told him "your son's going to get nicked".

The teenager was at risk of being identified from the "distinctive clothing" he wore at the time of the attempted theft, and his wardrobe would have been searched when he was arrested, jurors heard.

McCabe set out to reveal details of the clothing his son was wearing to his wife and son, the court heard.

In recorded phone calls, McCabe told his wife: "You can't disclose any of this I'm telling you as I'm trying to help our son."

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Prosecutor Ian Paton said: "That is as explicit an example of trying to poison the well of investigation to justice.

"It is Mr McCabe quite nakedly saying what he is about to do and what he wants to happen - he wants to find the clothing the police are looking for and notify the wife and son of the clothing the police are looking for.

"The prosecution say McCabe acted promptly and effectively to tip-off his son and to give advice and disclose significant details of the investigation that was in hand."

McCabe and Mr Edgely, both based at Bexleyheath police station, denied perverting the course of justice between February 12 2013 and February 15 last year.

McCabe was found guilty at Southwark Crown Court on Wednesday (March 18) and was released on bail until today (March 20) to allow him to explain to his son the likelihood of him serving a prison sentence.

Mr Edgely was acquitted at the same court.

He was suspended from duty and has been returned to restricted duties following this trial.

A gross misconduct review will take place in due course to determine whether the pair will face disciplinary procedures.

McCabe's son was not prosecuted following the investigation into the alleged attempted theft.

Detective Chief Superintendent Alaric Bonthron, of the Directorate of Professional Standards, said: "It is imperative that police officers have the trust of the public and their colleagues.

"The behaviour of Det Sgt McCabe in this case can only damage that trust and his conduct fell far below that which is expected of a police officer.

"The MPS will pursue officers and staff who break the law and, where appropriate, put them before a criminal court to face justice."