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Bristol Council resconsider PCSO funding cuts
Bristol City Council are to reconsider proposed cuts to PCSO funding which were announced last week as part of budget proposals by the Mayor George Ferguson. A cross-party working group has now been set up to try and retain as many PCSOs in Bristol as possible.
It comes after concerns were raised by the community and the Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner.
Recommendations will be made next week in advance of final budget proposals being agreed.
Police statement over PCSO conviction
Avon and Somerset Police have released the following statement following the conviction of 48-year-old Lawrence Dunn, of Axbridge Road, Burnham-on-Sea, for serious sex offences.
He was formerly a Police Community Support Officer.
The statement continues:
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Former PCSO convicted of serious sex offences
A former police community support officer in Somerset is facing a long prison sentence after being convicted of serious sex offences against a teenage girl.
48-year-old Lawrence Dunn from Burnham-on-Sea, was found guilty at Taunton Crown Court of eight offences of sexual activity with a child and one of attempted sexual activity with a female.
Judge Eric Salomonsen said it was a harrowing case and the evidence against him was compelling. It was a gross abuse of trust and of his position as a community support officer.
Dunn was remanded in custody for reports and sentencing later and was ordered to sign the Sex Offenders’ Register.