A POLICE officer is to appear in court next week for alleged sexual contact with a girl during an arranged liaison in the North-East.
Christopher Billinge, a 25-year-old constable with the Lancashire force, is alleged to have taken part in sexual activity with the 14-year-old girl in Sunderland.
The offences were said to have taken place on an arranged meeting, while he was off-duty, over the weekend of September 3 and 4, last year.
PC Billinge, who is based at Skelmersdale police station, was arrested as a result of the allegations on November 17, and suspended from duty.
He is charged with sexual activity with a child and meeting a child following sexual grooming, both contrary to the Sexual Offences Act of 2003.
The case was referred to the Independent Police Complaints' Commission (IPCC), which has decided to "manage" the Northumbria Police investigation. Inquiries are being overseen by the IPCC's Commissioner for the North-West Mike Franklin.
PC Billinge is to appear at Sunderland Magistrates' Court next Wednesday.
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