An Oldham police officer who was sacked after sexually assaulting a young girl while on duty has admitted making thousands of indecent images of children.

Dean Dempster pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting a six-year-old girl when he appeared at Liverpool Crown Court on February 28.

It followed an incident which took place whilst Dempster, of Langford Road, Manchester, was serving as a police officer on December 29 last year.

Now, Dempster, 35, has pleaded guilty to six counts of making indecent photographs of children and two counts of misconduct in public office following a hearing at Liverpool Crown Court today (Wednesday, September 4).

Get the latest news delivered straight to your inbox by signing up to The Oldham Times' morning and evening newsletters as well as our breaking news alerts 

One of Dempster's public office offences relates to him copying images of a child and family members, who were in nightclothes, from his body camera on to his personal mobile device for his own gratification.

The second offence relates to him using his mobile phone to take an image of a child who was present at a domestic incident he was responding to.

The six charges of making indecent images include 104 photographs in the most serious category.

Dempster is set to be sentenced on November 13 for these offences and the sexual assault of the young girl.

The former police officer joined Greater Manchester Police (GMP) in 2021 after serving as a special constable and ambulance service paramedic.

After Dempster pleaded guilty to the sexual assault, he was dismissed without notice from the force and added to the College of Policing Barred List by GMP's Chief Constable Stephen Watson.

Following Dempster's dismissal, Chief Constable Watson said: "I consider this case to be among the most distressing ever presented to me such is the despicable betrayal of all that is inherent in being a decent police officer.

"I have no hesitation whatsoever in dismissing PC Dempster from the service with immediate effect."

An spokesperson for the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) said: “As a police officer, Dempster’s role was to protect the vulnerable.

“He took photographs while on duty as a responding officer, which he then used for his own personal gratification, and also made thousands of indecent images of children.

“His sexual abuse of a young girl whilst on duty was a devastating breach of trust.

“Through his police training and work, Dempster would have been aware of the profoundly harmful impact that child sexual abuse can have on victims.

“It is vital that anyone who is concerned a child might be at risk of sexual abuse speaks up, so that children can be protected and supported.

“Our NSPCC Helpline is there for any adult who is concerned about a child.”

Children can contact Childline on 0800 1111. Adults with concerns about a child can contact the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000 or email help@nspcc.org.uk.