A MARRIED ex-policeman from Dunster has been jailed for sex crimes against a 15-year-old girl.

Paul Williams, 49, was found guilty of three counts of sexual activity and one count of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity following a five-day trial at Taunton Crown Court.

Judge Graham Hume Jones, who described his behaviour as “sexual bullying”, handed Williams a two-and-a-half year jail term.

The victim, 15 at the time of the offences, alerted police in 2008 after eventually confiding in her parents about Williams.

A police investigation was launched and Williams was arrested in May 2009 and later charged in October that year with the offences.

DC Simon Watch, of Taunton CID, was the officer in charge of the case.

Speaking after the hearing, he said: “We are satisfied with the result of the trial. Williams took advantage of a young girl who was vulnerable and inexperienced, which is completely unacceptable.

“As a police officer I am disgusted that another officer would engage in criminal activity of any sort, particularly activities such as this.

“These crimes are extremely serious and we will relentlessly pursue anyone who breaks the law in this way.”

In summary, Judge Graham Hume Jones said: “You knew perfectly well she was infatuated with you because even your own wife told you so. But you persisted with it and you gratified your own sexual requirements.

“To some extent this was a case of sexual bullying.”

Williams was also placed on the Sexual Offences Register and made the subject of a Sexual Offences Prevention Order.