A POLICE community support officer is facing jail after getting a child to perform sex acts via a webcam.

Steven Kenneth Evans, 23, of Bolton Road, Abbey Village, resigned from the force following his arrest in April.

Police slammed Evans and said his conduct could have undermined the hard work of the force.

Evans befriended the 12-year-old girl through the internet and conducted conversations with her via a computer webcam.

Eventually, his intentions became sordid. Evans pleaded guilty to engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child aged 12 and inciting the same girl to engage in sexual activity by touching herself in a sexual way.

The offences were committed between his home in Abbey Village and the girl’s home in Warwickshire.

A complaint led police to seizing his computer and launching an investigation.

Evans also pleaded guilty to 15 allegations of downloading indecent photographs and video clips of female children performing sex acts.

The offences took place between 2007 and this year.

Evans, who worked for the police in Chorley and who has no previous convictions, appeared at Burnley Crown Court yesterday.

He was bailed until October 30 for reports and will be sentenced at Preston Crown Court. He was also placed on the Sex Offenders' Register.

Judge Beverley Lunt warned him: "You must understand the most likely outcome is a custodial sentence so don't assume anything else by virtue of the fact I am granting you bail and ordering a report."

After the case, a Lancashire Constabulary spokesperson confirmed Evans resigned after his arrest in April.

He said: “Lancashire Constabulary expects the highest professional standards of honesty and integrity from all our staff and we have taken a robust position to the investigation of this case.

“This individual’s conduct has fallen well short of these standards, which is reflected in his conviction.

“It is disappointing that the behaviour of one employee, as in this case, can potentially undermine all the excellent work carried out by the constabulary on a daily basis.

“The public of Lancashire can be reassured that behaviour such as this is not tolerated and will be vigorously investigated.

“We aim to ensure the people of Lancashire trust us as we focus on their needs and priorities.”