A Merseyside Police detective has been sacked after paying a child for sex.
John Rigby pleaded guilty to charges involving the ‘vulnerable’ 17-year-old boy in February last year and the unauthorised access to a police computer system.
The 37-year-old from St Helens is currently in prison on remand ahead of being sentenced but has been dismissed from his position within the regional force.
A panel chaired by chief constable Rob Carden heard that Rigby had searched police intelligence systems for information on two males he was in contact with.
His offences amounted to gross misconduct and resulted in his sacking without notice which will mean he is prohibited from working in a policing role again.
“Children, particularly those who turn to sex work, are among the most vulnerable in society,” said Carden in a written judgement.
“To pay for sexual services from a child is wholly inconsistent with the values and behaviours that should be demonstrated by a police officer in the 21st century.
“The impact behaviour such as this can have on policing in the UK cannot be underestimated.”
Rigby will be sentenced at Chester Crown Court on January 16.