Merseyside Police officer found guilty of sexual grooming

5 Mar 2012 11:49 AM

A Merseyside Police officer has been found guilty of meeting a child following sexual grooming, following an investigation managed by the Independent Police Complaints Commission.

Simon Ferns, 43, who is a police constable based at Bromborough police station in the Wirral division, was found guilty following a trial at Liverpool Crown Court.

An investigation, conducted by Merseyside Police under the direction and control of the IPCC, determined that the officer had forged an inappropriate relationship with a 15-year-old girl he had met during the course of his duties.

This included regular contact via texts and allowing the girl to stay at his house.

Ferns, who was suspended from duty in December 2010, will be sentenced on 20 April 2012.

IPCC Commissioner Ms Naseem Malik said: "Ferns forged a relationship with a vulnerable young girl, which would have been inappropriate for anyone of his age, but especially for a police officer who was supposed to be assisting the family. His behaviour was totally unacceptable.

"I would like to praise the work of Merseyside Police in investigating this matter. They demonstrated commitment to bring Ferns to justice.”  

Media Contact:

Ian Christon, IPCC Regional Communications Officer (North Region)

Tel 0161 2468582