A CHILD was invited to spend a work experience day in the Avon and Somerset Police Violent and Sex Offender Register Office and was taken on a visit to a sex offender's home, it is alleged.

An investigation was launched after it emerged a sergeant had apparently invited the teenager on the work experience day.

Detective Sgt Nicola Coutts faces an accelerated misconduct hearing that will be chaired by Avon and Somerset Chief Constable Sarah Crew tomorrow morning (Friday, September 1). 

The hearing at force headquarters in Portishead will be told that DS Coutts allegedly breached the Standards of Professional Behaviour for police officers, specifically the standard of honesty and integrity, orders and instructions, confidentiality and discreditable conduct.

A publicity notice of the alleged facts issued ahead of the hearing says: "In October 2022, DS Coutts invited a teenage child to Avon and Somerset Constabulary Headquarters to visit the Violent and Sex Offender Register (VISOR) Office for a work experience day.

"This was arranged without any authorisation or vetting.

"During the day, the individual also accompanied a member of staff on a home visit to a registered sex offender.

"If proven, the allegations would amount to gross misconduct."