A Camborne and Redruth PCSO has been sentenced to seven years in jail after abusing his position to prey on vulnerable women.

Peter Bunyan, 40, of Carharrack, near Camborne, called a 'a disgrace to the police service' had turned his radio down when having sex with women.

He was also accused of using the computerised criminal intelligence system like a "dating agency", looking up sensitive information on women 

Bunyan had denied all the charges, however he admitted having sex with four women, but claimed it was while he was off duty.

The officer was charged with 12 counts of misconduct in public office for engaging in sexual relationships with five women; sending sexualised text messages to one woman; accessing the police records of six women and two men; accessing computer records and passing it onto two other individuals; and obtaining a loan of money.

Bunyan was found guilty of eight counts of misconduct in public office.

A spokesman for Devon & Cornwall Police said the public have a right to expect "exemplary behaviour from all members of the Police service who are there to protect them.

Adding that the sentence shows the "very serious nature of the charges that the accused faced and the force will always investigate any allegations of this nature thoroughly".

A disciplinary hearing will be held to decide his future this morning, Wednesday, March 20. Bunyan has been suspended from the force since 2011. He had served as a PCSO since 2003.

The case was heard at Taunton Crown Court.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) have launched an investigation into how he was able to commit his offences.

The IPCC is managing an investigation by the professional standards department after a referral was made by Devon and Cornwall Constabulary on March 22, 2011.

IPCC Commissioner Rachel Cerfontyne said: "This man completely abused the position of trust he was in and is a disgrace to the police service. These were criminal actions and he has rightly been found guilty.

"The IPCC has expressed concern at the number of cases across England and Wales where officers have targeted vulnerable women for sex and I hope that this sends a message that corrupt officers will be found out and severely punished.

"We will be receiving a full report from Devon and Cornwall Constabulary and will detail the investigation findings and any learning in due course."