Sergeant Troy Robbs, who worked as a supervisor at the Newcastle Radio Operations Centre, was accused of whispering into the ear of a woman, who was wearing a tiger shirt at the time, "nice pussy".

The Industrial Relations Commission (IRC) heard that in another conversation with the same woman, Sergeant Robbs mentioned her "vulva" and made numerous remarks about her "getting a good rogering".

A second woman gave evidence during an internal police investigation last year that Sergeant Robbs said "your tits look huge" and sent her text messages containing comments along the lines of "just letting you know your arse looks hot today in those pants".

Following the internal police investigation, Sergeant Robbs was demoted to senior constable, an $18,057 a year pay cut, and told he would be moved to another job on the Central Coast.

The police investigation found Sergeant Robbs "engaged in inappropriate, unprofessional and disrespectful behaviour" in respect to the two women.

He appealed the decision in the IRC on the grounds that he had never been the subject of any disciplinary matters in 29 years as a police officer and he was the primary carer of his 92-year-old mother.

Robbs said his "nice pussy" comment was made "in the context of a broader conversation" with a person whom he had a "friendly jovial relationship".

He said the use of the word vulva "is more of a medical term", that "doesn't have the connotation of other words".

While not being able to exactly recall the comment about the second woman's pants, he admitted it was possible he made it.

Sergeant Robbs said the term "rogering" was meant to mean "a rigorous physical training session". He described it was a "satirical comment", and denied inferring "anything inappropriate".

In an affidavit during the initial investigation, Sergeant Robbs acknowledged his "inappropriate behaviour" and "severity of the situation".

"I can confirm that this contrary conduct will not arise again and that my behaviour will be adjusted accordingly," he said.

Commissioner John Murphy revoked the orders made by police and ordered Sergeant Robbs be demoted to third-year sergeant.

"I have no doubt that the applicant has accepted responsibility for, and is genuinely remorseful and contrite about, his misconduct," Commissioner Murphy said.

"The stigma and damage to the applicant's reputation and standing in the NSW Police Force and in the community generally that will be caused by his demotion and disciplinary transfer will be significant."

While you're with us, did you know the Newcastle Herald offers breaking news alerts, daily email newsletters and more? Keep up to date with all the local news - sign up here

IN THE NEWS: