A Lancashire detective constable who had an affair with a rape complainant has been jailed for three years.

John Cragg, 41, was working on a specialist rape and sexual assault inquiry team in Blackpool at the time he embarked upon the sexual relationship.

His indiscretion led to the collapse of two criminal cases which he investigated after the Crown Prosecution Service offered no evidence.

A 32-year-old man had been accused of three counts of raping a child and various other child sex offences, and was due to go on trial at Preston Crown Court earlier this year.

Proceedings against a 35-year-old man over claims of sexual assault by an adult complainant were also dropped.

Cragg pleaded guilty to two counts of misconduct in a public office - one in engaging in sexual activity while on duty and the other in conducting a sexual relationship with one of three alleged victims whose cases he was investigating.

The defendant, of Formby, Merseyside, has been sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court.

Cragg resigned from Lancashire Constabulary last November when the allegations first emerged.

Following sentencing, Assistant Chief Constable Andy Cooke said: "Honesty and integrity are two of the most important characteristics of a police officer and John Cragg has failed to display those qualities.

"His job was to help people in a vulnerable position, ensure their safety and make sure they were supported. Instead he abused the trust placed in him and took advantage of the situation.

"Such behaviour will not be tolerated from the officers and staff of this constabulary."

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