A former Cambridgeshire police sergeant who admitted a string of serious sexual offences has today (Monday) been jailed for 14-and-a-half years.

Nick Lidstone, 54, who was based at force headquarters in Huntingdon, pleaded guilty to 13 offences at Norwich Crown Court last month and was sentenced this afternoon at the same court.

The offences were three counts of rape, three counts of indecency with a child, two counts of causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent, two counts of assault by penetration, one count of sexual assault, one count of indecent assault and one count of taking indecent photographs of a child.

He was arrested on June 26 and dismissed for gross misconduct on December 9 by the Chief Constable.

DCC Alec Wood said: “The sentence handed out today reflects the horrendous nature of Lidstone’s crimes, which were committed over a prolonged period of time.

“We want the public and our own employees to feel confident about raising concerns about the conduct of our officers and staff. We will always investigate these cases thoroughly and ensure any offenders are brought to justice.”

Lidstone pleaded not guilty to two counts of indecency with a child, two counts of indecent assault, one count of sexual assault and one count of assault by penetration and these will lie on file.