A POLICE officer had inappropriate relationships with three vulnerable women he met while on the job.

PC Sam Bate sent hundreds of texts to the women, with messages indicating he was in a sexual relationship with one of them.

An investigation found that he searched their records on the Sussex Police computer systems.

The Crawley-based officer also failed to properly investigate a road traffic incident relating to one of the women.

A disciplinary hearing found he had committed gross misconduct.

The 26-year-old would have been fired if he had not resigned first.

It comes after an investigation was carried out by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

IOPC regional director Graham Beesley said: “Former PC Bate took advantage of vulnerable women and the pattern of behaviour he demonstrated has absolutely no place in policing.

“Abuse of position for sexual purpose is a form of serious corruption.

"He also neglected to perform his duties when investigating a road traffic incident and this action damages public confidence in the police."

The hearing was told that two of the women were being criminally investigated at the time.

From May to August 2020, PC Bate was alleged to have formed an inappropriate relationship with two women, referred to as Ms A and Ms B at the disciplinary hearing.

He exchanged around 500 text messages with Ms A and the content indicated a sexual relationship was being pursued by both parties.

Between the same dates, he went out for a coffee with Ms B who he met during the course of a criminal investigation involving potential motoring offences.

They exchanged 150 text messages and met for a second time.

From October 2019, he had been in touch professionally with Ms C.

In January 2020 they exchanged texts with a view to meeting for coffee.

Although the meeting never happened, the woman told investigators this contact further impacted on her vulnerability.

The hearing found the former officer had breached police standards of professional behaviour for honesty and integrity, confidentiality, duties and responsibilities, conduct, orders and instructions, and authority, respect and courtesy.

The IOPC began an investigation in August 2020 after Sussex Police referred the officer's conduct to them.

Investigators interviewed the officer, examined his mobile phones and obtained statements from witnesses, including some of the individuals he had been contacting.

Audits showing the officers’ access to the individual’s policing records were also reviewed.

Mr Beesly added: “This outcome imposed by this police hearing should provide a clear message to any officer who misconduct themselves in such a way, that they will be held to account and can and will face serious consequences for their actions.”

At the end of our investigation in May 2021 the IOPC submitted the report to Sussex Police with their view that PC Bate had a case to answer for gross misconduct.

PC Bate resigned from the force in January.

He will now be placed on the police barred list, meaning he cannot work for the police service again.

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