A senior police officer has been sacked after having sexual contact with a woman while on duty. The police watchdog found that Tom Simons, who was a chief superintendent with Essex Police, failed to disclose a relationship with one colleague and touched another inappropriately.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said he abused his position for a sexual purpose with the women and continued with his behaviour despite being reminded to maintain professional boundaries. Essex Police first reported him to the watchdog in 2022 following multiple allegations. Simons was suspended at the time and was interviewed under criminal caution.

The IOPC also searched his home and checked his mobile phone and other devices. They referred the case to the Crown Prosecution Service in January 2024 to consider criminal charges relating to alleged sexual offences, coercive control and misconduct in public office. However, it was decided that he would not be charged with the offences.

A disciplinary panel chaired by John Murphy, assistant chief constable of Bedfordshire Police, found Simons had committed gross misconduct and breached the police professional standards of behaviour. 

Simons, who denies all of the allegations, 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: "I would like to praise the courage of the women, preyed on by this officer, who came forward to report his behaviour.

"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.

"He has deservedly lost his job and it's behaviour like this that damages the public's trust and confidence in police officers."

Ben-Julian Harrington, chief constable of Essex Police, said: "There is simply no place in policing for people who think, wrongly, that they can get away with sexual misconduct.

"It's super-clear in Essex; if you speak up, you'll be listened to and there will be action to help you. But if you try to get away with sexual misconduct or the kind of abhorrent behaviour we have seen in this case, we'll catch you.

"We'll investigate you and if allegations are proved then we'll do everything in our power to make sure you never work in policing again.

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