[A] FORMER Cumbria police officer has been jailed for committing a string of online child sex crimes.
Disgraced ex-bobby Nick Pool, 29, was locked up for three-and-a-half years at Carlisle Crown Court today (FRI).
The court heard how Pool was snared in a police sting late last year as he engaged in sexualised online chat with an undercover officer posing as a 12-year-old girl.
His off-duty offending – committed in the Penrith and Ulverston areas – prompted an investigation which unearthed further criminal conduct by Pool. This included lewd online “fantasies and role play” with others “purporting to be young girls”.
Pool admitted six counts attempting to cause or incite a child to engage in sexual activity; and three counts of attempting to incite. He also pleaded guilty to charges of making and possessing indecent photographs of children – some classed in the most serious category A – and one of publishing an obscene article.
Pool, a married father-of-one, was described as being “full of remorse”.
He was sentenced by Judge James Adkin, who said the crimes were “so serious that only a custodial sentence is appropriate”.
Pool must sign the sex offenders’ register for life and was made subject to an indefinite sexual harm prevention order.
The former South Cumbria-based PC, Pool, of Newton Rigg, near Penrith, was dismissed from the force without notice at a misconduct special case hearing earlier this year.
Deputy Chief Constable Michelle Skeer said: “Nicholas Pool has brought shame upon himself and the Constabulary, and he has rightly been sentenced today for these serious crimes.
“This case highlights that predators can be from any walk of life, and that no matter who you are or where you work, we will seek to ensure that you are brought to justice.
“As well as being in possession of some horrific images, Nicholas Pool was conversing with young girls in a sexualised manner, demonstrating how important it is for parents to be aware of who their children are speaking to online.
“Many young people will use the internet and social media, consequently there is a realistic danger that your child is speaking to someone online that they do not know. We will continue to work with partner agencies to promote awareness of internet safety and ensure that these offenders are brought to justice.”
