A POLICE OFFICER WHO ADMITTED SEXUALLY ASSAULTING TWO WOMEN HAS BEEN JAILED FOR FOUR YEARS
Steven Walters, aged 48, admitted to committing two counts of sexual assault during a court hearing at Stafford Crown Court in September.Chief Constable David Thompson described the incident as “one of the most severe breaches of policing integrity I have encountered.” Walters was also found guilty of gross misconduct at a disciplinary hearing held on Monday, resulting in his dismissal from the police force.
The offenses occurred between February and April of 2015.
Based in Sutton Coldfield, Walters approached a woman in her twenties and offered her a ride home in his patrol vehicle during the early hours.
Following a question from a colleague about her appearance late at night, Walters placed his hand on her thigh while she was in the vehicle, which made the victim feel uncomfortable.
In a separate case, the court heard that Walters touched another woman beneath her skirt in her home while her children were elsewhere in the house.
He also tried to kiss her on the face and neck, and asked to be taken to a bedroom.
During sentencing, Judge Paul Glenn commented that Walters showed no remorse and emphasized the importance of public trust in police officers.
He stated, "The public are entitled to have faith in police officers and to trust them in the discharge of their powers and responsibilities.
"You exploited that trust and you have brought disgrace on yourself and indeed the force you served." Derrick Campbell from the Independent Police Complaints Commission commended the victims for their “courage and bravery” in coming forward with their allegations.
He added, "[Walters] completely abused his position of trust by targeting and taking advantage of vulnerable women for his own sexual gratification,"
