A DISGRACED police officer has been jailed for eight years after he was convicted of having sex with a teenage girl.

Peter Drummond, of West View Terrace, Three Mile Cross, appeared at Truro Crown Court in Cornwall for a trial.

He was convicted of three counts of sexual activity with a child and was cleared of three counts of rape on February 18.

During the hearing, the jury heard how Drummond was able to find his victim's address through Snapchat mapping.

Fiona Elder, prosecuting, said Drummond befriended the girl on social media, using Kik messenger and Snapchat.

Addressing the jury, she said: "There are two allegations that he travelled from his home to Cornwall and raped her in her bedroom at her parents' home.

"You may think the dangers of social media are highlighted in this case where a child finds herself in a situation that they do not understand and they do not want.

"You may think, having heard the evidence in this case, that this is what happened on this particular occasion.

"He had come to her house using Snapchat mapping. There is no dispute that she did go through a sexual experience.

"As you will hear, Mr Drummond admits having sexual intercourse with her on these occasions."

She said the girl later described how she asked Drummond to stop, but he ignored her.

An NSPCC spokesman said: “Drummond relentlessly pursued his underage victim on social media, tracking her whereabouts so that he could satisfy his sexual desires.

“His actions will have a long-lasting impact on the teenage girl involved, who has bravely spoken out to ensure he is unable to target other vulnerable young people in this way.

“Not enough is being done to protect children online and we’re campaigning for social networks to offer safe accounts for children and proactively search for, and stop, child grooming on their platforms.”

Any adult concerned about the welfare of a child or young person can call the NSPCC helpline for free and confidential advice on: 0808 800 5000 or visit: nspcc.org.uk

Children can contact Childline on: 0800 1111 or: childline.org.uk 24/7, 365 days a year, and speak to a counsellor about a worry or concern they may have.