Officer barred over predatory messages to girl, 14

A chief constable has deemed a former police officer a "disgrace to the force and the wider police service" after he sent messages with sexual references to a 14-year-old girl.

PC Matthew Hunt admitted to gross misconduct at a Northamptonshire Police disciplinary hearing.

The panel heard also heard the child's school became aware of an apparent plan to meet to get "something to eat" with Hunt, who had initially met the girl through his position in the force.

In the chair at the hearing, Chief Constable Ivan Balhatchet said he had no hesitation in dismissing Hunt without notice and he would be entered on to the College of Policing barred list.

Hunt, who had been subject to an interim Sexual Risk Order, had resigned from the force prior to the hearing.

The panel was told Hunt acted with "predatory sexual intent towards a vulnerable child" he had met in the course of his duties.

The chief constable added that the former officer had pursued a sexual conversation and would have sought face-to-face contact.

"I will continue to take the strongest possible action to root out people like this officer, who should be nowhere near the police service," said Mr Balhatchet.

"The public, and honourable decent police officers... deserve no less.

"I would like to say that I am so sorry to the victim, her family and the public of Northamptonshire."

Deputy Chief Constable Ash Tuckley said a Sexual Risk Order was obtained on 27 November before a fast-tracked misconduct hearing.

"We remain absolutely determined to continue to root out all police officers and staff whose conduct falls short of what is expected.

"To that end, our Professional Standards Department has expanded in the past year, and we now have a record number of experienced detectives whose job it is to tackle police-perpetrated crime.

"I fully understand there are low levels of confidence in policing at present and we need to rebuild that trust."

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