Former Pc jailed over car sex act

A police officer has been jailed for performing a sex act in his patrol car in front of a 15-year-old runaway.

Kristian Abbott, 27, found the girl at Rochdale train station in April 2007 and was escorting her back to a care home in West Yorkshire.

Abbott was jailed for 21 months for engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child. He must sign the Sex Offenders' Register for 10 years.

Abbott served five years with Greater Manchester Police, who have sacked him.

Prosecutor Rachel Shenton told Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court that Abbott, of Cannon Street, Radcliffe, found the girl at the station in April 2007.

The public places police officers in a position of trust and he breached that trust in an horrendous way ACC Terry Sweeney

Ms Shenton said he repeatedly asked the girl to expose herself to him, asked her to perform sex acts on him and asked her if she was a prostitute.

In her victim impact statement, read out to the court, the girl, who is now 17, said: "I've lost two years of my life to worry, stress and fear.

"I'd like everyone to know that just because you are in care you are not a liar and just because you're a policeman it doesn't mean you told the truth."

The court heard Abbott, who is married with a baby son, had previously been awarded a certificate of merit by Greater Manchester Police.

'Thoroughly ashamed'

Judge Peter Lakin said: "The harsh reality of this case is that in your dealings with this girl you abused your authority, you failed in your duty and you breached the trust placed in you.

"Kristian Abbott, you should be thoroughly ashamed of yourself. Not only have you committed a serious criminal offence whilst on duty as a police officer you have also tarnished the good name of the Greater Manchester Police."

Judge Lakin told him he will serve the latter half of his sentence on licence.

He disqualified Abbott from working with children indefinitely.

GMP's Assistant Chief Constable Terry Sweeney said: "The public places police officers in a position of trust and he breached that trust in an horrendous way.

"Nobody is above the law and anyone who acts in this way will be dealt with accordingly."