A former Essex Police constable, Steven Tissier, has been sentenced to four years in prison after being found guilty of sexually assaulting a woman he believed was asleep, and filming the incident.

Tissier faced charges of two counts of sexual assault and a single charge of voyeurism, all of which he was found guilty of at Chelmsford Crown Court in Essex.

The court heard that the assault occurred in March 2022 at Tissier’s mother’s home in Boreham, Essex, following a night out where Tissier and a group, including the victim, had consumed a substantial amount of alcohol.

During the journey from London to Chelmsford, and then to Tissier’s mother’s house, the victim appeared to be asleep, prompting Tissier to initiate the assault.

According to the prosecution, Tissier stroked the victim’s legs, progressing to her thighs and bottom, while she pretended to be asleep. The victim, who was wearing tights at the time, did not respond physically to the assault.

After Tissier left the room, the victim sat up, visibly distressed, and requested a taxi home, to which Tissier complied. However, before the taxi arrived, Tissier groped the victim’s breast.

Despite the victim’s lack of consent and her feigned sleep, Tissier maintained that she was aware of the filming and had consented to the assault.

Upon being found guilty, Tissier reportedly wept in the dock, confronted with the reality of being convicted as a sex offender.

Jane Foster, Senior Crime Prosecutor from the Crime Prosecution Service (CPS), emphasised the significance of evidence recovered from Tissier’s mobile phone, which showed him sharing evidence of the assault with friends. This evidence included WhatsApp messages and video clips of the assault.

Foster highlighted Tissier’s persistent sexual interest in the victim, even suggesting a threesome in a prior conversation, which was rejected by the victim, indicating her lack of reciprocal interest.

Tissier’s actions underscore the gravity of sexual assault and the enduring impact on victims, as well as the crucial role of evidence in securing convictions and delivering justice.

Chelmsford Crown Court, where Tissier was sentenced, stands as a symbol of the judicial system’s commitment to upholding the law and protecting individuals from harm.