A Devon & Cornwall Police officer has been dismissed from the Force following his criminal conviction for sexual assault.

In January, PC Kane Haywood was convicted of one count of sexual assault on a woman at her home in Exeter in March 2021. He was given a 12-month custodial sentence, suspended for 18 months, and put on the Sexual Offenders’ Register for 10 years.

The officer, who was off-duty at the time, has remained suspended from duty since his arrest in April 2021.

Following the criminal proceedings, a disciplinary hearing was held at Devon & Cornwall Police headquarters in Exeter on February 14.

The hearing, chaired by Acting Chief Constable Jim Colwell, determined Haywood’s actions amounted to gross misconduct due to discreditable conduct and he was dismissed without notice.

The officer’s details will be submitted to the College of Policing Barred List, preventing them from working within policing.

Temporary Deputy Chief Constable Dave Thorne said: “Kane Haywood’s actions were abhorrent and a total discredit to the police service. Trust and integrity are the cornerstone of the behaviour we expect from our officers. Haywood failed both the public and his colleagues by breaking the law himself.

“Ensuring the highest standards and ethics within the Force remains a top priority and the public can be assured that any wrongdoing or unacceptable behaviour such as this will be subject to robust action. In addition, we remain committed to improving the service we provide to victims of violence against women and girls.

“Haywood’s behaviour was clearly unacceptable and had no place within policing. That is why his dismissal without notice was the right, and only, appropriate outcome.”