Northampton Police officer barred after messages to girl, 14

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

The panel was told, external 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.”