Youth Crime PCSO sentenced for child misconduct

A former youth crime police community support officer (PCSO) has been sentenced after an investigation found he pursued an intimate relationship with a child.

Investigators said Keith Sayers, from Borehamwood in Hertfordshire, regularly met up with the child and kissed her when she was 16.

The 43-year-old pleaded guilty to misconduct in public office and three charges of unlawfully accessing police systems.

He was sentenced on Thursday at St Albans Crown Court to 12 months' imprisonment, suspended for 18 months.

Sayers worked in Watford and Hertsmere from 2016 until he was suspended in January 2024.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) began an investigation in February 2024, following a mandatory referral from Hertfordshire Police.

It concluded he met the child in private and while off-duty, and on another occasion saw explicit images of her.

The watchdog said the relationship lasted between 2021 and 2024 when the child was between the ages of 14 and 16.

Sayers admitted to unlawfully accessing police systems to search confidential information about the child as well as personal details of other individuals known to her.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) authorised charges following the conclusion of the investigation in July 2025.

In December 2025, he was dismissed without notice for gross misconduct following a disciplinary hearing arranged by the force.

The CPS said a charge relating to sexual communication with a child was ordered to lie on file.

IOPC director of engagement Emily Barry said Sayers "took advantage of his position and completely abused the trust placed in him by pursuing a completely inappropriate relationship with a child that he met through his role".

Hertfordshire's Deputy Chief Constable Andy Mariner said "he abused his position in a despicable way, letting down the community and the whole of policing".

In May he was made subject to a 10-year sexual risk order.

He has also been ordered to carry out 180 hours' unpaid work.

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