PCSO sent explicit messages to 'girl' in sting

Carlson (not pictured) was given a suspended sentence at Bournemouth Crown Court

A former police community support officer (PCSO) who thought he was sending explicit messages to a 13-year-old girl has been sacked and given a suspended prison term.

Daniel Mark Carlson, 29, was actually exchanging messages with a police officer on social media as part of a sting between July and August.

Previously based in Winchester, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary confirmed he lost his job after his “abhorrent behaviour” was exposed.

Carlson, of Bishop's Waltham, was given an eight-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, at Bournemouth Crown Court on Friday.

Carlson was told he was talking to a child but he continued to send messages, which included offers to pay for sexually explicit pictures.

He admitted two counts of attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child and two counts of attempting to cause or incite a girl aged 13 to 15 to engage in sexual activity.

Carlson will be included on the sex offenders' register for 10 years and must complete 200 hours of unpaid work and other rehabilitation.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary’s deputy chief constable Sam de Reya said: "The abhorrent behaviour displayed by Daniel Carlson has absolutely no place in society, let alone in policing.

"As police officers and staff, we are entrusted with protecting the most vulnerable in our communities, particularly children, a duty at the core of public service and our child-centred policing approach.

"The messages Carlson sent, believing he was engaging with a child, are reprehensible and totally at odds with what the public rightly expect from those working in the police service."