Police Officer Jailed for Sexual Assault Dismissed from Force

A Devon and Cornwall Police officer, who was incarcerated for sexually assaulting a woman, has been removed from the force. Simon Mitchell was found guilty of one count of sexual assault against a woman. Mitchell, who had contested the charge but was convicted, received a three-year prison sentence on October 31 and was registered as a sex offender for life. The force reported that it conducted a disciplinary hearing at its headquarters in Exeter, which determined Mitchell’s actions amounted to gross misconduct due to discreditable conduct, resulting in his dismissal without notice. Acting Chief Constable Jim Colwell stated: “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.” Mitchell’s details will be submitted to the College of Policing Barred List, which will prevent him from working within policing, the force added.