PC banned from job after touching female officer

A constable has been barred from policing after making sexual comments towards a female officer and touching her.

Jonathan Reay, who was a PC with Essex Police, was found to have behaved inappropriately on multiple occasions between 2022 and 2023.

A three-day misconduct hearing found he would have been sacked from the force had he not already resigned in July 2023.

Assistant Chief Constable Andy Mariner said: "His behaviour was abhorrent and has no place in Essex Police."

Mr Mariner concluded each allegation made against Mr Reay was proved as gross misconduct.

He was placed on the College of Policing barred list, preventing him ever rejoining the profession.

"The officer behaved in a totally unprofessional way against a colleague," Mr Mariner said.

"This was re-enforced by the number of officers who provided statements, witnessing the actions towards the female officer."

Mr Mariner said the force was "gravely disappointed" by Mr Reay's conduct.

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