A former Leicestershire Police officer has been jailed for six months for misconduct in public office after having a sexual relationship with a woman he met while leading an investigation.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said ex-Police Constable Daniel Jackson, aged 38, sent flirtatious messages to the woman while in contact with her in May 2022.

Jackson admitted one count of misconduct in a public office when appearing at Leicester Crown Court on Monday and was sentenced by Judge Timothy Spencer KC.

Former Pc Daniel Jackson has been jailed (Joe Giddens/PA)

The IOPC said its investigation began in June 2022 following a mandatory conduct referral from Leicestershire Police. Jackson, from Derbyshire, resigned three months later.

IOPC director Derrick Campbell said: “Police officers must not engage or pursue a sexual or improper emotional relationship with anyone they meet during the course of their duties.

“This case serves as a warning to any officer who fails to maintain those professional boundaries.

“Sentencing Jackson, the judge said that he must have known the woman was in a vulnerable situation but he continued the relationship despite many opportunities to stop.”