A Metropolitan Police officer was found kerb crawling in Ipswich six months after five prostitutes were killed in the town, a court has heard.
A Metropolitan Police officer has been convicted of kerb crawling in Ipswich six months after five prostitutes were killed in the town.
Det Sgt Mark Daniel was seen with a prostitute in an unmarked police car in the Suffolk town's red light district on 10 June, it is alleged.
Det Sgt Mark Daniel was seen with a prostitute in an unmarked police car in the Suffolk town's red light district on 10 June.
Mr Daniel, 34, of Brantham, near Ipswich, is standing trial at Ipswich Magistrates' Court.
Mr Daniel, 34, of Brantham, near Ipswich, was standing trial at Ipswich Magistrates' Court.
The police officer has denied a charge of soliciting a prostitute.
The police officer was found guilty of one charge of soliciting a prostitute.
Opening the case, Ian Pells, prosecuting, said the case revolved around a "moment of silliness".
Daniel had denied soliciting the services of a vice girl and had claimed that he was seeking her assistance in finding a burger bar.
Secluded spot
He was found in a secluded area on the edge of Ipswich's red light district in the early hours with Donna Drewry in his passenger seat.
He said Mr Daniel had enjoyed a "hitherto good reputation in his career" but argued that he entered Ipswich for the purpose of picking up a prostitute for sex.
Ian Pells, prosecuting, said the case revolved around a "moment of silliness" as Mr Daniel had enjoyed a "hitherto good reputation in his career".
Mr Pells said the police officer was seen to pick up a known prostitute and drive her to a secluded spot on the edge of the town's red light district, where he was stopped by police.
However, he had gone to Ipswich for the purpose of picking up a prostitute for sex.
When questioned by police, Mr Daniel told officers he had simply been asking the woman for help in finding a burger van after driving into Ipswich to put some diesel in the unmarked police vehicle, the court heard.
Sentencing will take place later.
Mr Daniel told officers he and his wife had been considering moving to Ipswich and he was looking for houses on the night he was stopped.
But Mr Pells said Daniel's explanation was "manifestly implausible".
