A RAYLEIGH police officer, who abused his position to track down mobile numbers of woman he wanted to meet for sex, has been given a 22 month suspended sentence.

Pc Stephen Tilley, 36, of Millview Meadows, Rochford, pleaded guilty to the charges in August and received his sentence, which is suspended for a year, at Ipswich Crown Court on Friday.

Tilley was suspended from duty, as part of the Rayleigh Neighbourhood Crime Team, on July 13, 2013 and now faces an internal disciplinary procedure.

Essex Police, however, have stated that any officer convicted of a criminal offence before the courts can expect to be dismissed.

Judge Rupert Overbury also sentenced Tilley to carry out 240 hours of unpaid work in the community.