A DETECTIVE who formed an “inappropriate relationship” with the victim of an alleged sexual offence has been sacked.

Det Con Carl Wakefield was found to have “put his personal interests” before his policing duties by pursuing a relationship with the woman.

Mr Wakefield, who was based in the public protection command in Rayleigh, was dismissed after a misconduct hearing in Chelmsford.

A panel, chaired by legally qualified John Bassett, found he had breached the standards of professional behaviour in the areas of honesty and integrity, duties and responsibilities and discreditable conduct.

The 44-year-old was then sacked for gross misconduct.

In his conclusion, Mr Bassett said: “The officer put his personal interests before his duties and responsibilities as a serving police officer.

“His conduct was completely contrary to the ethos promoted by Essex Police amongst its officers and the wider community.”

The relationship came to light in August last year, as a result of information passed to the force by another officer.

Wakefield came into contact with the victim because he was involved in the early stages of the investigation.

The sacking comes four months after a government inspector raised concerns about the number of Essex Police officers who had formed sexual relationships with crime victims.

Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) found that officers and staff have been investigated for sexually exploiting victims of crime 51 times since 2010.

At the time, the report’s author said Essex Police was good overall but there is still more work to do in preventing the “abuse of authority for sexual gain”.

It said: “It is evident that the force treats the abuse of authority for sexual gain as serious corruption.

“The force’s Operation Pershore, which has been run since 2013, is specifically aimed at dealing with abuse of authority for the purposes of sexual gain.”

It added: “The force has more to do, however, to proactively seek intelligence on potential corruption from a variety of external sources such as women’s refuges, sex worker support groups, websites, gyms and local partners.

“It has completed limited work to encourage potential victims to report suspicious behaviour.

“Once such behaviour is identified, however, the force moves swiftly to safeguard victims and investigate the matter.”