A serving police officer has been charged after allegedly abusing his position "for sexual purpose".

PC Matthew Lynch - of Thames Valley Police - will appear at St Albans Magistrates Court on Friday (August 4).

In November 2021, an investigation was launched by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), which now alleges that Lynch "abused his position for a sexual purpose".

READ MORE

In November 2022, the IOPC completed its investigation, and referred the case to the Crown Prosecution Service.

He has since been charged with one count of corrupt or other improper exercise of police powers contrary to section 26 of the Criminal Justice and Courts Act 2015, and one count of perverting the course of justice.

                                                                                            

Get more stories like this delivered to your inbox every week by signing up to our newsletter.

                                                                                            

A spokesperson for Thames Valley Police said: "PC Lynch was suspended from duty following the referral to the IOPC.

"Misconduct proceedings will be conducted separately from the criminal case.

"We are not in a position to provide further comment at this time, and would refer any further questions to the IOPC."