Special police constable spared jail after being caught with indecent images of children

Darren Baker was formerly attached to the South West Command Unit

(File photo (iStock)

A Special Police Constable who admitted possessing indecent images of children has been dismissed from his post, but spared jail.

Darren Baker was formerly attached to the South West Command Unit when he received a suspended prison sentence for making and possessing child pornography.

During a special case hearing he was told his conduct went against the force’s code of conduct.

Special constables are part-time volunteers and work alongside regular police officers.

They work 200 hours a year and wear the same uniform and carry the same powers and responsibilities as regular police officers.

In June Baker pleaded guilty at Woolwich Crown Court to eight counts of making, possessing, distributing indecent images of children.

He was sentenced to 14 months’ imprisonment, suspended for two years.

He will be on the sex offenders register for ten years, and a ten-year sexual harm prevention order was imposed.

Baker was also ordered to carry out 100 hours of unpaid work, and pay £300 costs and £140 surcharges.

In a statement the Metropolitan Police said: “A Special Police Constable who received a suspended prison sentence for indecent image offences has been dismissed following a special case hearing.

“…The special case hearing panel dismissed Baker without notice.”