AN Avon and Somerset Police detective admitted 'sexual communication with a child under the age of 16', a disciplinary hearing will be told.

DC Scott Burton has provided a written statetment "accepting responsibility for committing the offence", according to an advance notice of a misconduct hearing.

Burton received a police caution for the offence - the equivalent of a formal warning.

Burton, who is no longer a serving officer, will be before a panel charied by Chief Constable Sarah Crew at the force's HQ in Portishead on Monday morning (December 5).

 

A pre-hearing notice says: "It is alleged that, whilst off-duty, former DC Burton has breached the Standards of Professional Behaviour for police officers, specifically the standards of:

  • 1. Honesty and Integrity;
  • 2. Authority, Respect and Courtesy;
  • 3. Discreditable Conduct.

"The allegations are: In August 2022, DC Burton provided a written statement accepting responsibility for committing the offence of Sexual Communication with a Child under the age of 16 contrary to section 15A of the Sexual Offences Act 2003."

Burton was subsequently given, at the direction of the Crown Prosecution Service, a police caution for the offence.

If proven, the facts could be considered to amount to gross misconduct.

The hearing will be held in public, subject to restrictions, as ordered by the Chief Constable on the hearing day.