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Policeman guilty of kerb crawling Policeman guilty of kerb crawling
(19 minutes later)
A Metropolitan Police officer has been convicted of kerb crawling in Ipswich six months after five prostitutes were killed in the town.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.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, was standing trial at Ipswich Magistrates' Court.Mr Daniel, 34, of Brantham, near Ipswich, was standing trial at Ipswich Magistrates' Court.
The police officer was found guilty of one charge of soliciting a prostitute.The police officer was found guilty of one charge of soliciting a prostitute.
Daniel had denied soliciting the services of a vice girl and had claimed that he was seeking her assistance in finding a burger bar. Ian Pells, prosecuting, said the case revolved around a "moment of silliness" as Daniel had enjoyed a "hitherto good reputation in his career".
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. Daniel claimed he had asked prostitute Donna Drewry for help in finding a burger van and had no intention of having sex with her on the night he picked her up.
Ian Pells, prosecuting, said the case revolved around a "moment of silliness" as Mr Daniel had enjoyed a "hitherto good reputation in his career". He also told the court he had been house hunting in the area earlier that night.
However, he had gone to Ipswich for the purpose of picking up a prostitute for sex. But, giving evidence in court, Ms Drewry said Daniel approached her "looking for business" and asked how much she charged for sex.
Sentencing will take place later. Magistrates chairwoman Bunty Hunt fined Daniel £235 and ordered him to pay £450 costs.
She said she found his explanation "unbelievable".