SENIOR Humberside Police officers have said a former PC who had sex while on duty abused the trust placed in him.
Lee Kershaw, who was based at Hornsea Police Station, is facing jail after admitting four sexual assaults and four counts of misconduct in a public office.
Kershaw, 37, was sacked from the force in May 2009 after the allegations emerged.
Detective Superintendent Mathew Hutchinson said: "Lee Kershaw abused the trust that was placed in him as a police officer and committed a number of very serious offences.
"I would like to praise the victims for their bravery. Coming forward to report allegations such as these can be extraordinarily difficult and these women have demonstrated real tenacity and courage.
"Humberside Police would always encourage and support victims to report crime, whoever the offender may be.
"Our main concern throughout has been for the victims of Kershaw, to whom we have provided the support of specially trained officers.
"We have made every effort to bring the offender to justice and it is testament to the hard work of our officers that we have achieved this result in court today."
The attacks were committed against numerous female complainants and took place between November 9, 2007, and August 11, 2008.
Chief Superintendent Rick Proctor, head of the force's professional standards branch, said: "Humberside Police takes all allegations of misconduct seriously, from both external and internal sources and the force aims to treat everyone fairly with dignity and respect.
"We have a dedicated team who investigate allegations of improper behaviour by officers and we will leave no stone unturned in any such inquiry.
"We expect all officers and staff to behave with integrity and honesty and anyone who does not follow these principles should expect to face strict disciplinary procedures.
"Corruption and serious misconduct undermines police efforts in tackling crime and protecting communities; it limits the effectiveness of police actions and has a detrimental effect on public confidence in the police."
Kershaw, who now lives in Cramlington, Northumberland, will be sentenced at Sheffield Crown Court next month and has been warned he faces jail.
