A POLICE constable has admitted charges of attempting to incite a child to engage in sexual activity.

Nick Pool, 29, a PC in South Cumbria, appeared at Carlisle Crown Court this morning.

During a five-minute hearing in front of Judge Peter Davies, Pool pleaded guilty to three crimes.

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He admitted attempting to incite a 12-year-old girl to engage in sexual activity.

One of the offences is said to have taken place in the Penrith area, on 22nd November. The other two, on 11th and 12th December, are said to have occurred at Ulverston.

During an earlier court hearing, a district judge was told the incidents related to an "undercover officer posing as a 12-year-old girl".

Pool, of Newton Rigg, near Penrith, was represented during today's hearing by lawyer Michael Rawlinson.

Prosecutor Tim Evans asked Judge Davies for the case to be listed again at the crown court on March 8. Pool will be sentenced in due course.

Shaven-headed Pool - bespectacled and wearing a dark grey jumper - spoke only to confirm his name and to enter his guilty pleas.

He was remanded in custody until March 8 by Judge Davies.

Cumbria police announced last month that Pool had been suspended from the force. A spokesman confirmed before today's hearing that remained the case.

The offences are said to have occurred while Pool was off duty.