A CRIME Scene Investigator found guilty of sexual assault has been dismissed without notice following a misconduct hearing.

Kevin Dowley who worked for the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate was found guilty in September of two counts of sexual assault by touching and is due to be sentenced at Basildon Crown Court on November 19.

He appeared before a misconduct panel chaired by Det Chief Supt Stuart Hooper to answer three allegations.

The allegations included that he engaged in a pattern of behaviour towards vulnerable victims which contravened guidance from Essex Police and the College of Policing including conversations of an inappropriate or flirtatious nature and texting a victim from a personal mobile.

Secondly that being found guilty of two criminal offences of sexual assault significantly impact on his ability to carry out the role of a CSI.

Thirdly that his conduct undermined public confidence and impacted upon the reputation of Essex Police.

All matters were found to be proved gross misconduct by the panel and Dowley was dismissed immediately.

He had been suspended since his initial arrest in September 2016.

Chair of the panel, Det Chief Supt Stuart Hooper, said: “Police personnel must act ethically, professionally and appropriately and treat all individuals with who they have contact, especially vulnerable victims who are turning to the police for help, with dignity and respect.

"The Code of Ethics states that staff must not engage with sexual conduct or inappropriate behaviour on duty or seek to pursue a relationship with a person with whom they come into contact in the course of their work who may be vulnerable to an abuse of trust.

“The actions of CSI Dowley have significantly undermined our core values and even worse, have made the victims feel as if they are not believed and cannot trust the police to discharge their duties.

“CSIs come into contact with multiple members of the public within a working week. They often work unaccompanied and enter the homes of victims of crime at times when they are at the most vulnerable and in the most need of reassurance, support and confidence in the police. CSI Dowley has exploited that and other vulnerabilities of victims, such as mental health so much so that he has destroyed the trust and confidence in CSIs in this function.

“As a detective, I know the value that forensic investigations bring to prosecutions and therefore our ability to bring offenders to justice. Without this key function policing would not be able to deliver its key values and keep our communities safe

“His actions and unwarranted contact fell far below the standards expected and there is no place in policing for those who abuse their position for sexual purposes."