A FORMER Humberside Police officer has been warned to expect a jail sentence after he admitted sexual activity with a member of the public while on duty and other sexual offences.
Lee Kershaw, 37, admitted the attacks at Sheffield Crown Court this afternoon, where he was due to stand trial for rape and other offences.
Kershaw pleaded guilty to:
* Two counts of misconduct in a public office by seriously sexually assaulting a member of the public
* One count of misconduct in a public office by meeting a member of the public to engage in sexual activity while on duty in uniform
* One count of misconduct in a public office by sexually assaulting a member of the public
* Four sexual assaults.
The attacks were committed against numerous female complainants and took place between November 9, 2007, and August 11, 2008.
Kershaw denied seven further offences – four counts of oral rape, two counts of rape, and one count of misconduct in a public office by seriously sexually assaulting a member of the public.
David Bradshaw, prosecuting, said the pleas were acceptable to the Crown and no evidence would be offered against the charges Kershaw denied.
The court heard this had followed consultation with police, victims, and reviewing lawyers.
Caroline Goodwin, for Kershaw, asked for sentencing to be adjourned for the completion of a pre-sentence report, which was granted by the judge.
Shaven-headed Kershaw, of Queens Gardens, Annitsford, Cramlington, Nothumberland, is due to be sentenced at the same court at 10am on August 27.
He was granted bail with conditions including not contacting prosecution witnesses and not entering the Humberside Police area.
Recorder Jonathan Carroll told him: "You have pleaded guilty to a variety of offences, including offences of serious sexual assault and misconduct in public office.
"As you have already heard me say, I am adjourning the matter now for a pre-sentence report.
"I'm giving you no indication of sentence whatsoever. All sentencing options remain open, including custody, which is at the forefront of my mind at the moment."
