A special constable for Lancashire Police has been jailed for 15 months, after admitting misconduct and sexual offences.

Jack Baxter, 22, of Manchester, who was based in the West Division of the force, was arrested in November last year following an investigation by Lancashire Constabulary’s Online Child Abuse Investigation Team.

Baxter appeared at Preston Crown Court yesterday (Tuesday, October 17), and pleaded guilty to one offence of misconduct in public office and two offences of attempting to cause a child to watch a sexual act.

The offences related to allegations that Baxter engaged on-line in sexual activity with a girl he believed to be 13-years-old whilst he was on duty, in November last year.

As a result, he was given an immediate jail term of 15 months and a 10 year Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

Sunita Gamblin, deputy chief constable for Lancashire Police, said: “Baxter’s behaviour was clearly completely unacceptable of a serving officer.

"His actions have not only disgraced his own reputation but tarnished that of the vast majority of officers and staff in Lancashire Constabulary who serve our communities with professionalism, compassion and dedication.

"Wherever we find malpractice and wrongdoing within Lancashire Constabulary we will continue to root it out to ensure that people can have confidence and trust in us.”