A jailed Hitchin policeman caught with child porn after abusing his role and pressuring a 15-year-old prostitute for sex has been officially sacked as an officer today.

Leigh Brightman – who was sentenced to four years in prison at The Old Bailey in November – was dismissed from the Herts force at a police misconduct hearing held at the headquarters of Bedfordshire Police this morning.

The 37-year-old, of Tennyson Avenue, had pleaded guilty to three counts of misconduct in public office and two counts of making indecent images of children.

A spokesman for Herts police said: “Leigh Brightman betrayed the trust placed in him by targeting such vulnerable victims with no care about the impact of his actions.

“We pay tribute to those victims who have shown considerable courage and dignity throughout the investigation.

“Brightman has not only let down the force, but the professional and dedicated colleagues who worked alongside him as well. We work tirelessly to protect victims of crime and deal with those offenders who choose to exploit the vulnerable for their own selfish gratification.”