A POLICEMAN accused of sexually assaulting a crime victim after starting a relationship with her has been sacked.
PC Dermot Dunne was said to have attacked her one night after plying her with a sedative.
His alleged victim did not want the case to go to court but he was investigated by his force.
Dunne, who had been suspended, was dismissed after a four-day hearing.
He became the tenth officer sacked by Bedfordshire Police for gross misconduct in the past year.
Five of them involved sexual claims.
Chief Constable Trevor Rodenhurst said: “The behaviour of PC Dunne was appalling.
“There is no place in our organisation for anyone capable of such behaviour.
“We will continue to do everything possible to root out any individual who falls short of the high standards I demand.
“We are working hard to build an inclusive culture which does not tolerate such behaviour or attitudes and we actively encourage colleagues to call out concerns so we can take action or address behaviour at an early stage.
“Likewise, the public should know that their concerns and reports of misconduct and unethical behaviour will be thoroughly investigated.
“We know behaviour and cases such as this will concern our communities.
“However, I want to reassure people that we are determined to identify anyone in our ranks who behaves like this and get them out of policing for good.”