Police officer Mark used his 9-year-old daughter’s phone to force girls to send intimate photos

He then used a fake profile to manipulate them to send him intimate images and participate in other forms of sexual activity, writes British media Southend Echo.

Ling, who has since been fired from Essex Police, urged his victims to participate in online ‘loyalty tests’ to control their ‘faithfulness’ in relationship.

He was recently sentenced to a prison sentence of four and a half years at Ipswich Crown Court, where he also chose to plead guilty of a series of sexual abuse against children.

In January, he acknowledged eight cases of sexual communication with a child and a case of having angry a child to participate in sexual activity.

« The police must be trusted professionals with good intentions to help and support people – the Essex brand says ‘Protect and Earn’.

Ling participated in his sentencing via video link from HMP Norwich. He did not turn to the camera and stared into his lap while he was jailed.

« I would like to pay tribute to the courage that they affected by Mark Ling’s actions have shown. I would like to thank those we have identified and spoken to, for having entrusted us this information and to deal with this terrible case, » said Police Constable Ben-Julian Harrington of Essex Police.

« We are performing police work without fear or favoring, and where a crime is reported, we are investigating, regardless of who it involves. Fighting violence against women and girls is an absolute priority for Essex police and we take all accusations seriously.

« Specialized detectives and staff have conducted a thorough investigation and ensures that the affected receives support. Thanks to their work, Ling has had no choice but to admit his crimes. Thanks to their professionalism and dedication he is now behind bars. »

Ling was dismissed from Essex Police after an accelerated consultation on abuse on December 17 last year. In addition, a restriction was introduced that prevented the publication of the details of the consultation until the end of the criminal case.

In connection with this consultation, it emerged that between March 2021 and February 2023, Ling used fake profiles on social media to participate in explicit conversations online.

The charges included using another person’s identity without their consent and that he was dismissed immediately after they turned out to be true. And now he can look forward to spending the next few years behind bars.