JAILED: Police officer who sexually assaulted two women while on duty gets four years

Steve Walters, who attacked the women while on duty as a Birmingham police response officer last year, initially denied the allegations but was today locked up after admitting his crimes in court last month.

The 48-year-old had already been dismissed from the police for gross misconduct and his actions were described by West Midlands Police boss Dave Thompson as "one of the worst violations of policing integrity I've ever seen."

Walters, from Swadlincote in Derbyshire, attacked the two women within a ten week period last year.

He was on patrol in a marked police car on February 8 when he and a colleague offered a lift to a woman who was walking home from a night out.

During the five minute journey Walters, who was a front seat passenger, reached into the back and touched the woman's thigh.

She reported the incident the following day after confiding in a work colleague who is a former police officer.

Then on April 15 Walters went to the home of a woman who had reported her teenage son missing.

The schoolboy returned home but, as Walters moved to leave the house, the Pc pushed his mum up against the hallway, kissed her and placed his hand inside her clothing.

Walters was arrested on May 6 and denied the allegations, but forensic experts found his DNA on the underwear of the woman.

He maintained his innocence, claiming the DNA evidence was a result of sneezing near the woman, but on day one of trial at Stafford Crown Court on September 5 he entered guilty pleas.

This week, Walters appeared behaviour a disciplinary hearing and accepted his behaviour amounted to gross misconduct.

He apologised, saying he had let everyone down and understood the consequences. He has been sacked by the force.

Ch Constable Thompson rejected Walters' apology, saying he was shocked by the former Pc's actions.

He said: "The public expects simple things from the police: that they can trust us, that we offer friendship and service to people in need, and that vulnerable people are safe in our care.

"A police uniform should be a beacon of comfort and protection. Pc Walters has engaged in criminal activity that has shocked me.

"In 26 years police service this is one of the worst violations of policing integrity I have ever seen.

"People at a point where they needed our help were abused by this officer who used his uniform and power to enter people's lives.

"I am deeply sorry for what has happened and apologise on behalf of the force.

"Having read one victim statement I am left in no doubt of the terrible impact these crimes have had on people.

"I only hope the public and Pc Walters' victims can understand the efforts we and the IPCC will take to bring officers who fail the public in this way to justice.

"There is no place for a criminal like Pc Walters in this force, I don't accept his apology, and I have no hesitation for dismissing him without notice."

A third count of misconduct in a public office was left on court file.