PCSO in court charged with child sex offence

Update 16 March: The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) have confirmed that the charge of sexual communication with a child was not arraigned at a hearing on 6 February at St Albans Crown Court and therefore as it stands this charge is not being progressed. The IOPC also confirmed to the BBC that defendant pleaded guilty to a charge of Misconduct in Public Office to a child under 16 and the basis of this charge will be considered at the next hearing on 1 June. Keith Sayers also pleaded guilty to three counts of unauthorised access of police systems at this hearing.

A police community support officer has appeared in court charged with multiple offences including one count of sexual communication with a child under 16.

Keith Sayers, 42, is also accused of one count of misconduct in public office and three counts of unauthorised access of police systems.

He was released on bail after appearing at St Albans Magistrates' Court on Friday and is due to appear again at Highbury Corner Magistrates' Court on 28 November.

Mr Sayers is suspended from his job and Ch Supt Di Whiteside, from Hertfordshire Police, said in a statement: "We take allegations of this nature extremely seriously."

Police said the offences were alleged to have taken place between 1 September 2021 and 9 January 2024.

Mr Sayers was suspended following his arrest in January 2024.

The force said it had referred the case to the Independent Office for Police Conduct for investigation.

Ch Supt Whiteside said: "I know this case will cause concern amongst our local communities and residents and also the wider community.

"We will always prioritise protecting and safeguarding victims of crime and preventing any further risk to the wider public."

Follow Beds, Herts and Bucks news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.