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A constable who sexually assaulted a female colleague would have been dismissed had he not quit before disciplinary proceedings, Gwent Police’s chief constable has said.

PC Benjamin French resigned from the force the day before a disciplinary panel met to hear allegations against him.

The public hearing, held on Tuesday May 23, found French breached standards of professional behaviour twice on grounds of authority, respect and courtesy, and discreditable conduct.

French had lifted the skirt of a female colleague and grabbed her bottom during a night out in Cardiff in December last year.

The former PC admitted the allegation, which amounted to gross misconduct.

In a written ruling, Chief Constable Pam Kelly said: “Misconduct involving sexual impropriety is always serious and can significantly undermine public confidence in the police service.

“Former PC French’s actions have brought discredit on the police service and are capable of undermining the confidence of the public in policing.”

She added: “The former officer cannot really remember grabbing PC A’s bottom but accepts PC A’s description of what he did. He states there was no sexual motivation and believes that he did it as a joke. He thought it would be funny when clearly it is not. He states that alcohol played a significant part in his behaviour. There is supporting evidence that his actions were out of character.”

In a further statement, Chief Constable Kelly said if French had not resigned, he would have been dismissed. He will also be placed on the College of Policing’s barred list.