Ex police officer used Snapchat to exploit 'child'

The former officer looked to exploit a child on Snapchat

A former police officer has admitted to attempting to have sexual communications with a child on Snapchat.

Barry Geering, 44, was working for Wiltshire Police at the time of his arrest in April 2024. He was caught by the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit (SWROCU) communicating with someone he thought was a child over several days.

On Tuesday, he pleaded guilty to attempted sexual communication with a child when he appeared at Bristol Magistrates' Court.

Deputy Chief Constable Mark Cooper said: "Our core priority as officers is to protect those most vulnerable and yet Geering purposefully sought to exploit a child. His actions are simply incompatible with those expected of our officers."

Geering was suspended from duty upon his arrest. He resigned from Wiltshire Police two months later.

Wiltshire Police's Professional Standards Department is carrying out a separate investigation into potential breaches of standards of professional behaviour by Geering.

Mr Cooper said the force will look to "accelerate" these misconduct proceedings.

Geering is due to be sentenced at Bristol Magistrates' Court on 23 June.