The Ruislip police officer at the heart of the 'Plebgate' affair has admitted misconduct in a public office at the Old Bailey today.

Keith Wallis, 53, a diplomatic protection officer who lived in Broadhurst Gardens, Ruislip, at the time, was accused of sending an email to Uxbridge and South Ruislip MP Sir John Randall (Con) falsely claiming he had witnessed the incident.

In it he claimed he was sightseeing near Downing Street with a member of his family when he saw someone he recognised as the then-cheif whip Andrew Mitchell, pictured, shouting obscenities at police officers at the gates of Downing Street.

PC Wallis, who now lives in Normandy near Guildford, Surrey, has admitted that he lied about witnessing the incident and provided a false account to Sir John.

Mr Mitchell was accused of unleashing a foul-mouthed rant at police when they stopped him cycling through the street's main gates. He admitted swearing during the incident but denies it was directly aimed at the officers as well as a claim that he called them plebs. He later resigned in order to try to clear his name.

Met Police Commissioner, Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe, said: "The evidence against PC Wallis was such that he has entered a guilty plea. To lie about witnessing something and provide a false account falls way below the standards that I and PC Wallis's colleagues expect of police officers.

"His actions have also negatively impacted upon public trust and confidence in the integrity of police officers."

Mr Wallis has been bailed until February 6 when he is due to be sentenced. He will later face a gross misconduct hearing and according to reports, offer his resignation from the force.