PCs sexually abused colleagues on nights out

A chief constable has described the behaviour of three former police officers who sexually abused colleagues on nights out as "horrific".

Two misconduct hearings heard evidence of two female officers at Norfolk Police being sexually touched and receiving unwanted sexual behaviour.

In one case, a former PC was found to have put his hand up a colleague's dress and touched her genitals.

The force said following criminal investigations, no charges were brought against the officers, however, all three officers would have been sacked had they not previously resigned.

Paul Sanford, Chief Constable of Norfolk, said: "The conduct of these former officers was appalling. They have sexually abused colleagues on a night out. Such behaviour has no place in society or policing.

"We know the behaviour of those who work in policing is under constant scrutiny, both in our organisation as well as the wider community, and rightly so.

"I welcome this scrutiny and our pro-active action to dismiss those officers who have no right to wear the uniform will continue."

In the first misconduct hearing, held in November, former officers, referred to as Y and Z, were accused of sexual touching and being sexually inappropriate with a colleague on a night out in Norwich in June 2021.

Following legal representations, the officers were granted anonymity by the panel's independent chair.

The hearing heard evidence of PC Y asking for oral sex, sending a photo of his genitals and placing his hands up the victim's dress - while PC Z was found guilty of touching the woman's bottom and commenting on her breasts.

The panel said both officers demonstrated "predatory" behaviour and "a lack of remorse".

In the second hearing, held earlier this month, the panel found former Sgt Marley Jay Symonds, who had previously been nominated for a police bravery award, had engaged in unwanted sexual behaviour and touching against a colleague on a night out in April 2023.

He allegedly placed his hand down a colleague's skirt and touched her bottom.

Mr Sanford added: "The horrific behaviour of these officers comes at a cost to the majority who work in our county every day, targeting criminals, taking dangerous people off our streets and protecting the public."

Last month, Norfolk Police launched Project Vigilant, which it said was aimed at detecting and disrupting sexual violence aimed at women and girls on nights out.

Follow Norfolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.