A serving police officer from Thames Valley Police has shocked the nation by admitting to engaging in sexual activity with a 13-year-old girl and recording the crime on her mobile phone. PC Luke Horner, 24, based in Amersham, Buckinghamshire, confessed to the disturbing offence at Northampton Crown Court.

The court heard that Horner, while off-duty, traveled to Rushden in Northamptonshire on 11 June this year to commit the heinous act. He pleaded guilty to a charge of sexual activity with a child. Prosecutors removed a second count, which accused him of making an indecent image of a child, as it was revealed that this offence formed part of the sexual activity. Shockingly, he had recorded the act on the victim’s phone, which he held in his hand during the incident.

The court was appalled by the grave nature of the crime and recognised the significance of the victim’s age, vulnerability, and the breach of trust involved. Ben Gow, the prosecutor, stated, “We regard this as one of the culpability features of the offence in question.”

Appearing via video link from HMP Peterborough in Cambridgeshire, Horner wore a light grey suit, white shirt, and blue tie as he confirmed his identity and entered his guilty plea.

Thames Valley Police promptly suspended PC Luke Horner from duty and has initiated a separate misconduct investigation. The matter has also been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct to ensure a thorough and unbiased examination of the case.

Judge Rebecca Crane remanded Horner into further custody until his sentencing, scheduled at the same court on 8 September.