A former detective superintendent has been barred from working in the police for life after being jailed for possessing extreme pornographic images.

Stuart Cheek, 44, who worked for Hertfordshire police, was found to have extreme pornography on his personal phone when it was searched by officers.

The illegal images - which included bestiality - were sent and received via WhatsApp under the display name ‘Cheeky’.

In November, Cheek was jailed for 12 months after being convicted of two counts of possessing extreme pornography and one count of unauthorised access to computer material.

Chief Constable of Hertfordshire Constabulary, Charlie Hall, has now barred Cheek from ever being re-employed in policing.

He said: "Had this officer not already resigned, I would have had no hesitation in dismissing him immediately and without notice. I now require that his name be added to the College of Policing barred list to prevent his re-employment in policing ever again."

Mr Hall recognised Cheek's service as a police officer for nearly 25 years had been "unblemished" prior to these incidents. However, he said: "He would have known the harm extreme pornography causes. The individuals depicted are clearly at risk of harm, likely to be vulnerable and possibly being manipulated by others."

He added: "The convictions for possessing extreme pornography are significant in undermining confidence in policing. His conviction has occurred at a time when policing is already under significant challenge to public confidence and this does not help that."