Devon and Cornwall Police officer Jason Hicks' child sex offence charges

Jason Hicks, who is no longer employed by the force, appeared before Plymouth Magistrates' Court

A former Devon and Cornwall Police trainee officer has appeared in court accused of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity.

Jason Hicks, 30, of Bishopsteignton, south Devon, faced 13 charges in total at Plymouth Magistrates' Court on Tuesday.

Mr Hicks was in training as a student police officer at the time of some of the alleged offences in 2021-2022.

He did not enter any pleas to the charges he faced.

Mr Hicks also faces three charges of making indecent photographs of children.

Those offences were alleged to have taken place between September 2012 and January 2022.

Devon and Cornwall Police said Mr Hicks was no longer an employee.

He was released on unconditional bail and ordered to appear before Exeter Crown Court on 2 December.

Details of the charges:

• Engaging in sexual communication with a child between March and April 2021

• Causing/inciting a child to engage in sexual activity between March and April 2021

• Four counts of attempting to engage in sexual communication with children between December 2021 and January 2022

• Four counts of attempting to cause/incite children to engage in sexual activity between December 2021 and January 2022.

• Three charges of making indecent photographs of children between September 2012 and January 2022.