Ex-PC charged with 14 child sex offences

A former police constable has been charged with 14 child sex offences.

Thomas Winstanley, 25, of Eccleston, near Chorley appeared at a hearing at Birmingham Crown Court on 12 February.

He was charged with three counts of rape, two counts of sexual assault, four counts of causing, inciting and engaging in non-penetrative sexual activity with a girl, and one count of sexual assaulting a girl by penetration.

Lancashire Police confirmed Winstanley had resigned.

Winstanley was also charged with two counts of sexual communication with a child, one count of engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child and one count of possessing a prohibited image of a child.

He pleaded not guilty to all 14 charges, with a trail date set for 8 May 2028.

The 25-year-old was suspended following his arrest in October 2024, and the investigation was managed independently by Cumbria Police.

Listen to the best of BBC Radio Lancashire on Sounds and follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.