A police officer in Essex has been given a six-month prison sentence, suspended for two years after pleading guilty to one count of making indecent images of children.

Ben Hodder, 34, from Thurrock, appeared before Snaresbrook Crown Court today, when he was given the sentence, as well as a six-month electronic curfew as part of a 12-month supervision order.

He was also handed a £1,200 fine and put on the sex offenders’ register for seven years.

The officer, who was a chief inspector at Thurrock, admitted the charge on March 13, and has been suspended from duty since May 8 last year.

A special case hearing is due to take place on Friday, April 24, where his future employment with Essex Police will be considered.