A serving police officer has gone on trial accused of sexually assaulting a young girl.

John Stringer, 41, from Cardiff, works for Gwent Police.

He is charged with five offences against the girl which allegedly happened over a period from December 2019 to July 2021.

Stringer denies the charges which include two counts of sexual assault by touching, two counts of causing or inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity, and one count of causing a child to watch a sexual act.

Prosecutor Ian Wright told the jury at Cardiff Crown Court: “At the time of these alleged offences this defendant was a serving police officer with Gwent Constabulary.”

Mr Wright said the defendant’s alleged abuse came to light after the girl made a disclosure to a teaching assistant at her primary school.

The school in Cardiff notified her parents and South Wales Police immediately.

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Officers from the force then interviewed her on 15 July 2021.

The prosecutor said the victim had told police that Stringer had touched her inappropriately under a blanket and her clothing.

He also allegedly showed her pornographic videos with half-naked women in them and asked her to “mimic” the actions of the performers.

The court heard how the alleged offending paused during the COVID-19 lockdowns but later resumed when restrictions eased.

The court also heard the alleged offences are not related to Stringer’s activities as a policeman.

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When he was arrested on 12 July 2021 Stringer, while under caution, told officers: “It’s a shock.”

He was interviewed and despite denying the girl’s account, was later charged.

The trial continues.

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