A SERVING Essex Police officer based in Basildon has been convicted of having an inappropriate relationship with a witness.

PC Georgie Bean, 31, of Fitzstephen Road, Dagenham, was found guilty of misconduct in a public office after a trial at Chelmsford Crown Court.

The officer was investigating an assault allegation in October 2020. As a result, he met a lady who was a witness in the case. The following month he engaged in intimate activity with her.

He subsequently admitted this behaviour to his supervisor and was referred to the force's Professional Standards Department. The matter was then referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

 The IOPC commenced an investigation and he was later charged with misconduct in a public office, which he denied, but was convicted on Thursday (29 February).

 At the same court he was sentenced to 50 hours of unpaid work and ordered to pay £1,200 in costs.

 Deputy Chief Constable Andy Prophet said: "Georgie Bean's actions were completely unacceptable.

 "A police officer's role is to protect the public.

 "Bean betrayed the trust communities give us by abusing his position for personal benefit.

 "Bean's actions do not represent the values of Essex Police or the thousands of hardworking officers, staff and volunteers dedicated to serving this county.

 "I am disappointed it has taken over three years for the IOPC, the Crown Prosecution Service and the court system to find Bean guilty. The public deserve a more timely response.

 "This conviction highlights he lacked the judgement, values, integrity and decency required to be a police officer."

Bean was suspended from Essex Police in January 2021 and has remained suspended since.