Former Essex Police Officer jailed for Sexual Assault
Steven Tissier, 37, attacked a woman in March 2022
A former police officer from Essex Police who was found guilty of sexual assault has been sentenced today to four years in jail.
As part of his sentence, Steven Tissier’s name will be on the sex offenders’ register for life.
The offence took place in March 2022 and related to an assault whilst off duty that was investigated by the Essex Police Professional Standards Department.
Steven Tissier, aged 37, denied the charge but was found guilty in February.
The victim cannot be named for legal reasons.
Although he had already resigned, he was found to have breached standards of professional behaviour at gross misconduct for unrelated matters at an Accelerated Misconduct Hearing ahead of the trial.
The hearing chaired by the Chief Constable of Essex Police, Ben-Julian Harrington, found that had he still been serving, he would have been dismissed without notice.
He has also been placed on the College of Policing Barred Register ensuring he cannot re-join policing in any capacity.
After the sentencing at Chelmsford Crown Court, Chief Constable Harrington said: “I want to pay tribute to the bravery demonstrated by the victim in the case for coming forward and telling us what happened.
“No-one should have to experience what she has gone through, and she has shown great integrity and dignity throughout the investigation and court case. I have been left disgusted by the actions of Steven Tissier, as has everyone at Essex Police.
“Tissier’s criminal behaviour and his gross misconduct undermines the commitment of the people in Essex Police who work tirelessly every day to protect and serve the people of Essex. There is no place for people like Steven Tissier in policing and his actions do not represent the vast majority of good officers and staff in the force.”
“I hope that the investigation by Essex Police, the successful prosecution and his prompt dismissal will reassure the public that we hold our integrity and the trust and confidence the people of Essex with the highest regard and that we will act swiftly and decisively to deal with those whose actions undermine that trust.”