A Wiltshire Police sergeant made sexual comments to a female police officer under his direct supervision.

John Brixey, who had served with the force for more than 20 years, was found guilty of gross misconduct in a hearing on Wednesday.

The hearing, at Wiltshire Police Headquarters in Devizes, upheld allegations that between June and August 2022, he made sexualised comments on multiple occasions toward the female police officer.

Mr Brixey resigned in November 2022. The panel said had he not resigned, he would have been dismissed without notice after the hearing’s findings.

Mr Brixey will be added to the national barred list, which will prevent him from serving with any police force in England and Wales in the future.

Deputy Chief Constable Paul Mills said: “Mr Brixey’s actions breached the high standards of professional behaviour we expect from all of our officers and staff. I would like to apologise on behalf of the Force to the officer who Mr Brixey directed his inappropriate behaviour towards, as well as anybody else affected by his actions.

"His actions, on multiple occasions between June and August 2022, go against the values at the core of our organisation. There is no place in Wiltshire Police for anyone who conducts themselves in this manner, and although Mr Brixey had already resigned, he will also be placed on the national barred list which will ensure he will not be able to work in policing in future.

“I appreciate that news of Mr Brixey’s conduct will understandably cause concern within our communities. We are committed to ensuring every single member of our organisation maintains the highest standards of behaviour when carrying out their duties, and we will act robustly if this is found to not be the case."