A POLICE officer has been sentenced to three years and nine months in prison after pleading guilty to five counts of misconduct in public office, including forming sexual relationships with vulnerable women he met while on duty.

Darren Stephen Heath, 44 and of Taynton near Newent, appeared at Bristol Crown Court for sentencing today.

The charges relate to several cases in which Mr Heath made inappropriate advances or formed sexual relationships with vulnerable women he met through his duties between 2002 and 2012.

Heath also pleaded not guilty at an earlier hearing to two charges of rape, two charges of misconduct in public office and theft. Those charges now lie on file.

Gloucestershire Constabulary’s Professional Standards Department began an investigation into a complaint against PC Heath in 2012 and he was suspended from all duties in early 2014, pending the outcome of the criminal investigation by the Constabulary’s Anti-Corruption Unit.

Internal disciplinary proceedings remain ongoing following the conclusion of the court case.

Senior investigating officer with the Constabulary's Anti-Corruption Unit, Detective Inspector Giulia Marogna, said: "It has been a lengthy process gaining the trust and confidence of the ladies involved in the case.

"We have had to re-establish a professional relationship with those already disenfranchised by a member of the Constabulary.

"It is important to remember that these ladies had been let down by a member of the organisation at the very time they needed us the most.

"Darren Heath is a manipulating, calculating and controlling individual who took advantage of his position by targeting vulnerable women who he met through his job and subsequently abusing the trust his position gave.

"His behaviour and actions are shameful and is completely at odds with what is expected of our officers.

"Today is a time for the ladies involved and I hope that their attendance at Court today can help in bringing them some closure to a terrible situation.

"They have shown immense courage in supporting this prosecution and I would like to thank them for this.

"I also want to ensure that this individual’s actions do not undermine the good work that the majority of officers do every single day and reassure the public that such behaviour will not be tolerated."