Ex-Cop Caught Sending Sexual Messages to Child
Former officer DC Scott Burton has been slammed after sending inappropriate and sexualised messages to a child while off duty.
Police Investigation Launched After Shocking Tip-Off
A third party reported Burton’s actions to Avon and Somerset Police in June 2021, sparking an immediate investigation. In March 2022, Burton was charged with sexual communication with a child under 16 and appeared in court.
Sex Offender Register and Police Ban
Following directions from the Crown Prosecution Service, Burton was given a police caution in September and must remain on the Sex Offenders’ Register for two years. An accelerated misconduct hearing was held on 5 December before Chief Constable Sarah Crew.
Although Burton resigned, the Chief Constable declared he would have been sacked and confirmed he is now banned from all police and law enforcement jobs nationwide.
Chief Constable Condemns ‘Utmost Gravity’ of Offence
“Any criminal offence is serious when the perpetrator is a police officer, however a sexual offence must be of the utmost gravity,” Chief Constable Crew said.
“This behaviour fundamentally breaks the public’s trust in police and brings the profession into disrepute, whether on or off duty.”
“The victim and their family have suffered psychological harm and emotional distress, and such offending undermines public confidence in the police service.”
Force Vows to Root Out Wrongdoers
Head of Professional Standards, Supt Jane Wigmore, said:
“Burton admitted sending inappropriate, sexualised messages to a child. This abhorrent behaviour is completely incompatible with police service.
“His actions have had a lasting impact on the victim, their family, and colleagues who were unaware until the investigation.”
“We remain committed to rooting out officers and staff who fail to meet the high standards expected of them and let down the public they vowed to protect.”
