A “tactile” police officer once hailed a hero for saving a boy’s life has kept his job after sexually harassing a woman.

PC Paul Fortune made national headlines in 2015 after he saved the life of a boy who was choking on a 2p coin in Downend. The police officer even appeared on hit TV show This Morning and was widely praised for his quick-thinking actions.

But three years later, PC Fortune went on to sexually harass a woman and has recently been at the centre of a misconduct hearing.

While the police officer has been allowed to keep his job, he has been given a final written warning. A misconduct panel decided the warning was appropriate and proportionate after multiple allegations against PC Fortune were proven.

He had been accused of sexually harassing a PCSO, failing to act with self control or treat female members of police staff with courtesy and respect, and acting less favourably towards them than their male colleagues.

He also faced an accusation of undermining public confidence in the police force.

PC Fortune was heard to have parked his police car outside his victim's house while on duty, sent her text messages and on one occasion referred to himself as "a stalker".

The misconduct panel heard he told a female member of police staff: “I have a really high sex drive and [redacted] – so if you are ever in need of a partner let me know.”

When she made it clear she was not interested, PC Fortune told her: “Are you saying I’m fat and ugly?”

The woman took that as a joke.

He also said to her: “What time are you finishing tonight? I can come round to yours after work if you fancy.”

The woman complained to a sergeant in February 2019 when PC Fortune massaged her shoulders without permission.

However, she accepted he was tactile with everyone, thoughtful, kind and caring, and wore his heart on his sleeve.

PC Fortune also made comments to another female member of police staff, including: “Has [redacted] touched your special bits? I never touch your special bits when I worked with you.”

This woman said she felt uncomfortable when he accidentally squirted some hand sanitiser onto her arm.

The hearing panel found that Fortune's behaviour between April 2017 and February 2019 constituted a breach of authority, respect and courtesy; a breach of equality and diversity; and constituted discreditable conduct.

Following the hearing at Avon and Somerset Police’s Portishead HQ, misconduct panel chair Peter Cadman: “The panel looked at the seriousness of the proven matters.

“None of them were individually found to be gross misconduct, but cumulatively they were.

“They took place over an extended period of time and were in a background of a more senior officer towards junior officers.

“On the other hand, both junior officers had positive things to say about PC Fortune.

“Proven allegations of this nature normally give rise to dismissal without notice.

“This is the unusual case where a final written warning for such proven matters is actually appropriate and proportionate.”