A DEVON and Cornwall police officer who sexually assaulted a woman in Exeter has been dismissed from the force.

Last month, PC Simon Mitchell was convicted of one count of sexual assault on a woman, which happened at Devon and Cornwall Police headquarters.

Mitchell, who had denied the offence, was found guilty by a jury after a nine-day trial in September.

He was sentenced to three years in prison on Thursday, October 31, and became a registered sex offender for life.

The court heard how in June 2022, Mitchell had been off-duty socialising with colleagues at the Devon and Cornwall Police accommodation block when the offence took place.

The incident was reported to police in September 2022 and an investigation was launched. Mitchell was arrested and immediately suspended from duty.

Following the outcome of criminal proceedings, a disciplinary hearing was held at Devon and Cornwall Police headquarters in Exeter on Thursday, November 7.

The hearing, chaired by acting Chief Constable Jim Colwell, determined Mitchell’s actions amounted to gross misconduct due to discreditable conduct and he was dismissed without notice.

The officer’s details will be submitted to the College of Policing Barred List, preventing them from working within policing.

Acting Chief Constable Jim Colwell said: ‘Simon Mitchell’s actions have brought a total discredit to the police service.

‘Trust and integrity are basic requirements of behaviour we expect from our officers.

‘The conviction is a very serious matter.

‘Violence against women and girls is quite rightly highlighted as a serious societal issue and a sexual assault on a female of this nature is entirely inconsistent with the expectation clearly held by the public in terms of how an officer should conduct themselves, on or off duty.

‘Ensuring the highest standards and ethics within the force remains a top priority and the public can be assured that any wrongdoing or unacceptable behaviour such as this will be subject to robust action.

‘That is why his dismissal without notice was the right, and only, appropriate outcome.

‘We remain committed as ever to improving the service we provide to victims of violence against women and girls and we will continue in our pursuit to root out all predatory behaviour.

‘Our thoughts remain with the victim in this case and specialist officers continue to support her. I would like to thank her for giving evidence in court and I hope that the sentencing and the misconduct outcome will give her some sense of closure following this ordeal.’

If you have been affected by this article there is support available.

You can visit victimcare-dc.org to access support services and information on your rights and how to navigate the criminal justice system.

You can also call Victim Support on 0808 1689 111 or Devon and Cornwall Police’s Victim Care Unit on 01392 475900.