A British Transport Police officer has been sentenced for using social media to attempt sexual communication with a child.

Sergeant James Chatfield, 36, pretended to be a 17-year-old boy and began talking to someone he thought was a 12-year-old girl.

He used Snapchat and Chat Avenue to ask her to send him intimate photos during their chats in September, a court heard.

Chatfield was actually speaking to an undercover officer from South Wales Police who reported it to BTP’s professional standards department.

The officer, who is based in London, pleaded guilty to two counts of attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on 18 November.

A judge on Wednesday sentenced him to six months in prison suspended for 18 months, meaning he won’t be jailed unless he commits another offence.

He was also given a seven-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

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“I speak for everyone at British Transport Police when I say we are all truly shocked and appalled by the actions of James Chatfield,” said Deputy Chief Constable Alistair Sutherland.

“He does not represent our values and his fast-track disciplinary proceedings will be taking place as soon as practicably possible in the New Year.”

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