A Herts police officer is to be sentenced later this month after admitting one count of misconduct in public office regarding an 11-year relationship he had with a woman he met through his job.

PC Nicholas Musto, of Docking Road in Hunstanton, pleaded guilty at Peterborough Crown Court today and is due to be sentenced on July 17.

The case was brought following an investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct – which began on October 16, 2018, after a referral from Hertfordshire Constabulary.

The referral included disclosures made by the individual the officer had formed the relationship with.

PC Musto spent 25 years with the force and lied about the nature of his relationship with the victim when concerns were previously investigated in 2013.

The investigation was completed on June 13, 2019, and a case file was sent to the Crown Prosecution Service, which made the decision to charge the now 51-year-old, who served with the force in the Royston area.

Assistant Chief Constable Bill Jephson said: “Hertfordshire Constabulary is committed to ensuring our officers and staff uphold the highest standards of conduct and when those standards are not met, it is right that a full investigation takes place and appropriate action taken.

“Cases like this have a damaging impact on public confidence but the vast majority of officers and police staff working in Hertfordshire have dedicated their professional lives to public service in safeguarding the vulnerable.

“The force will continue to take positive action to tackle predatory behaviour whenever allegations arise and fully recognise the courage and fortitude of the victim in this case.”