Officer engaged in sexual activity with child

Cleveland Police suspended Nathan Henderson last month

A police officer engaged in sexual activity with a child on multiple occasions, a court has heard.

Nathan Henderson, 30, who appeared via video link from HMP Holme House, admitted 11 counts of sexual activity with a minor and one charge of perverting the course of justice.

Sentencing was adjourned as the court heard the defendant was considering entering a basis of plea setting out his version of events, which could affect his sentence.

He was suspended by Cleveland Police last month and has been remanded in custody until his next appearance at Durham Crown Court on 24 October.

Temporary assistant Chief Constable Dave Sutherland thanked the victim for coming forward and reporting the offences.

He said: "Offences of this nature when committed by a member of the public are abhorrent, however, when they have been committed by a police officer it is incredibly shocking and appalling.

"I want to make it clear that these criminal acts will not be tolerated at Cleveland Police, nor in the police service as a whole."

He added that Henderson was removed from his job on 15 August and would never be employed by any police force.