On-duty police inspector made sexual comments

Former Essex Police officer Insp Sami Dawood made sexual comments to a woman while he was on duty

A former police inspector made sexual comments towards a woman at Stansted Airport, a a misconduct panel concluded.

Sami Dawood was on duty for Essex Police when he spoke to the woman in the retail area of Stansted Airport in March 2024.

Dawood resigned the same year but a four-day misconduct hearing at Chelmsford Civic Centre has now found him guilty of gross misconduct.

Assistant Chief Officer Fiona Henderson chaired the hearing and said: "To engage in such an offensive and disrespectful way with a member of the public who was going about her business is abhorrent and will not be tolerated."

An investigation found he acted inappropriately towards the woman, "making overtly sexual comments" to her on two occasions in 2024.

On both occasions, while on duty, he spoke to the woman at retail premises, starting unwanted sexually explicit conversation with her, the hearing was told.

Dawood's actions breached three standards of professional behaviour in relation to authority, respect and courtesy; discreditable conduct and equality and diversity.

Ms Henderson said: "First and foremost I want to apologise to the member of the public in this case, who should never have had to experience Sami Dawood's appalling behaviour.

"His actions fell well below the high standards we demand and expect of all our employees here at Essex Police."

The force confirmed Dawood would have been sacked if he had not already resigned in December.