A POLICE officer has been sacked after sending an inappropriate photo of himself to a sexual assault victim.

Sergeant Rob Adams, 39, made sexual advances to the woman by sending her text messages and photos.

Sussex Police officer Adams, who was based in Eastbourne, and made the advances while on duty in March 2014, but it was not reported by the woman until December 2020.

The disgraced officer had his identity revealed following the case, after the misconduct panel which led the hearing said his anonymity should be lifted.

Chief Superintendent Lisa Bell from the Professional Standards Department said: “The victim in this case came forward to report a sexual assault and should have received a professional and compassionate response.

"Instead, she was met with seriously inappropriate and unprofessional comments.

"The decision to dismiss this officer is fully supported as there can be no place in the service for those that make sexual advances to any member of the public.

"Police officers must behave in a manner that does not discredit the police service or undermine public confidence, whether on or off duty.

“All staff are aware of appropriate professional boundaries and the serious consequences of any abuses of position.”

Adams faced allegations of breaching standards of professional behaviour in respect of authority, respect and courtesy and discreditable conduct.

The panel found his behaviour amounted to gross misconduct and he was dismissed without notice.