A sex pest police officer sent hundreds of messages to vulnerable female victims of crime because he was “lonely”, a misconduct panel heard.

Police Constable Lance Montgomery resigned as Kent Police investigated allegations that the 44-year-old had contacted victims and sent sexually explicit text messages and images.

Following a police misconduct hearing today, Chief Constable Alan Pughsley said he was happy Montgomery was no longer working for the force.

Montgomery, who was based in Medway, had worked for Kent Police for 14 years until he resigned as an investigation into his behaviour was launched.

It was revealed he had also used social media to carry out searches on his victims.

His first victim, who was aged just 19, had reported a crime in June and in the 10 days afterwards Montgomery sent 500 text messages.

The woman described the messages as “disgusting” and said they made her feel uncomfortable.

Montgomery requested the pair meet up but the former Medway officer said they would have to meet in another area “in case other people were watching”.

During the misconduct hearing held at Kent Police headquarters in Sutton Road, Maidstone, a panel heard Montgomery had contacted three other woman aged 35, 22 and 29.

Montgomery was arrested on August 22 and various mobile phones were seized.

During a police interview he told officers he “felt lonely and enjoyed the contact”. He later admitted gross misconduct.

Chief Constable Pughsley said he would have dismissed Montgomery had he not resigned from his role as a PC last year.

He said: “I am appalled by the behaviour of Mr Montgomery. He has abused the very core of being a police officer and that is to ensure the public have trust and confidence in the police.

“He knew exactly what he was doing. He initiated contact and he did this because he wanted to and because he had access to these ladies because he was a police officer.

“The youngest was 19 and with this victim and at least one other the messaging and texting was of a sexual nature. This is totally wrong and aggravated by the premeditated searches on social media.

“Mr Montgomery is completely culpable. The harm he has caused to his reputation is irreparable and he has tarnished the reputation of Kent Police.

“If he was still serving as a police officer I would dismiss him from Kent Police without notice.

“I am very pleased he no longer works for Kent Police.”