POLICE APPRENTICE CAUGHT IN CHILD SEX MESSAGING SCANDAL AND SPARED JAIL
A 21-year-old employed as an apprentice by Greater Manchester Police in their operations communications team engaged in online conversations under the false belief he was interacting with a 12-year-old girl.In fact, he was speaking to a covert officer.
During October, it was confirmed he had sent lewd sexual messages to what he assumed was a minor.
He was arrested on October 29 and suspended from his position the next day.
By July, he faced charges of inciting a child to participate in sexual communication.
He pleaded guilty to these charges on August 23 at Manchester Magistrates Court.
His sentencing occurred on October 29 at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court, marking one year since his arrest.
He received a 15-month sentence, suspended for two years, alongside a five-year order to prevent sexual harm, a five-year inclusion on the sex offender register, a baring notice, 150 hours of unpaid community service, and a surcharge of £156.
The police highlighted the use of covert tactics that enabled the interception of his communications before any significant harm could be done.
Furthermore, an internal misconduct review is scheduled following an investigation carried out by GMP’s professional standards team.
