A SPECIAL constable has been jailed for 15 months, after admitting to sexual offences involving a 13-year-old girl.

Jack Baxter, 22, of Victoria Road, Ulverston, appeared at Preston Crown Court earlier this week to face one charge of misconduct in public office and two charges of attempting to cause a child to watch a sexual act.

Baxter was suspended from his role at Lancashire police while an investigation took place into allegations he had engaged in online sexual activity with a girl he believed to be 13 years old, while on duty in November 2016.

Deputy chief constable Sunita Gamblin 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."

Baxter was arrested following an investigation by the force's online child abuse investigation team and was jailed for 15 months, and issued with a 10-year sexual harm prevention order.