A former Derbyshire police officer has been jailed for two and a half years after being convicted of misconduct in a public office and data protection offences.

A jury at Nottingham Crown Court found Jasbir Singh Dhanda guilty of six of 11 counts - three of misconduct in a public office and three data protection offences. Jasbir Singh Dhanda

He was found not guilty of three counts of misconduct in a public office and two data protection act offences.

He was accused of targeting vulnerable women, having sex with them on and off duty and using police computer systems to access information about them and other women he knew.

Dhanda, who served as a Police Constable based within Derby's Pear Tree section, was arrested in August 2010. He was suspended from duty after an investigation carried out by Derbyshire Constabulary's Professional Standards Department.

This followed a complaint to police, made by a woman about the officer, that he had performed a sexual act in her home and was engaging in sexual activity with her while on duty.

As a result of the inquiry two other women made disclosures about Dhanda. Analysis of his use of force computer systems highlighted numerous incidents of him accessing personal details and records of women.

He was charged with seven counts of misconduct in a public office and five data protection offences.

Ch Supt Jack Atwal, divisional commander for Derby Division, said: "Derbyshire Constabulary does not tolerate corruption, criminal behaviour or neglect of duty as was seen in this case.

"We want to reassure the public that we take these issues extremely seriously and we will investigate any allegations of wrongdoing made against our staff.

"One of our main priorities is to protect vulnerable people. PC Dhanda has abused his position and the trust placed in him to exploit the vulnerable.

"He was entrusted to protect the public but instead he has used his job as a cover to further a sexual relationship and take part in criminal activity while on duty.

"His actions have brought dishonour to the uniform and office he held. We are committed to ensuring the highest of standards from our staff - it is no more than the public expect and deserve.

"Where those standards are not met we have robust systems in place to tackle such issues and where necessary hold staff to account.

"Corruption and misconduct undermines the police's efforts in tackling crime and protecting communities. It limits the effectiveness of police actions and has a detrimental affect on public confidence," he concluded.

Dhanda resigned from the force following the verdict.