Police chief sacked for on-duty sexual contact with woman

A senior police officer has been sacked after he had sexual contact with a woman while on duty.

The police watchdog found Tom Simons, a chief superintendent with Essex Police, abused his position for a sexual purpose with two women - including by touching a colleague inappropriately and failing to disclose a relationship with one of them. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said he continued with his behaviour despite being reminded of the importance of maintaining professional boundaries.

The case was first referred to the IOPC in March 2022 after multiple allegations, Essex Police said. Mr Simons was suspended from duty and interviewed under criminal caution by the IOPC, which executed a search warrant of his house and checked his phone and other devices as part of an investigation.

The case was referred to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) in January 2024 to consider charges relating to alleged sexual offences, coercive control and misconduct in public office, but it was decided he would not be charged with any criminal offences, the IOPC said. A disciplinary panel chaired by Bedfordshire Police's assistant chief constable found Mr Simons had committed gross misconduct and breached the police professional standards of behaviour.

Mr Simons denies all the allegations. He was dismissed without notice after the misconduct hearing concluded this week.

He will also be placed on the College of Policing barred list. IOPC director Emily Barry said she "would like to praise the courage of the women" who came forward.

"They faced pressure from him as a senior officer, but it's thanks to them that our investigation was able to gather the strong evidence that was put before the panel at the misconduct hearing, resulting in his dismissal," she added. "He has deservedly lost his job and it's behaviour like this that damages the public's trust and confidence in police officers." Read more from Sky News:Former Rochdale footballer dies aged 36Two Britons among four killed in cable car crash Ben-Julian Harrington, chief constable of Essex, said there was "simply no place in policing for people who think, wrongly, that they can get away with sexual misconduct".

"I will be completely frank. This case is particularly disappointing given the seniority of the former officer," he added..