A FORMER crime scene investigator "with a tattoo fetish" has been sent to prison after sexually assaulting two victims of crime.

Kevin Dowley, 62, of Burgess Avenue, Stanford-le-Hope was found guilty in September of two counts of sexual assault by touching and was jailed for two years at a sentencing hearing yesterday.

Dowley targeted the two women who were victims of crimes he was investigating and touched them inappropriately. After a two-week trial, a jury found him guilty of both counts.

The first incident took place in in July 2016 and involved a vulnerable burglary victim who had a tattoo.

During one of the visits to her home, he joked to her about her hot pants before commenting on her tattoo.

Prosecutor Emma Nash told Basildon Crown Court Dowley said he had a tattoo fetish.

On a separate visit, he approached the victim in her bedroom before running his palm along her dungarees and making contact with her skin before reaching down inside her clothing to her "pubic area".

The vulnerable woman, who was struggling with drug addiction, pushed him away and told him to leave but Dowley returned after she reported another burglary.

In the second incident, which took place at Grays police station, Dowley pulled down the tights of a pregnant domestic violence victim and tried to kiss her while photographing her injuries.

The victim told the court he made her feel "disgusting" as he asked her about her tattoo and removed her leggings to see it in full, which she did not give him permission to do.

The mother, said he also tried to kiss her on the cheek.

Essex Police's Assistant Ch Const Nick Downing said: “I want to pay tribute to the bravery of the victims for coming forward.

“They had the courage to face Dowley in court and gave evidence under great scrutiny where they had their integrity attacked and had outrageous claims made against their character.

“I cannot begin to understand how difficult it must have been to face that as well as going through the ordeal of reliving the assaults.

“I hope this sentence brings them some solace and helps rebuild their trust in Essex Police.

“Kevin Dowley was in a position of trust as a Crime Scene Investigator which he breached. He was meant to be there to help these women but he abused his position which is completely unacceptable.

“Dowley’s actions go against everything we stand for as a force and I am truly sorry that a member of our staff could do this.”