A Norfolk police inspector has resigned after being charged with committing serious phone message offences.

Jon Papworth, from Horncastle, Lincolnshire, has been charged with two counts of improper use of a public telecommunications network.

He is alleged to have committed offences in breach of section 127 of the Communications Act 2003. 

Offences that fall under section 127 include sending messages or other content that is 'grossly offensive’, ‘indecent’, ‘obscene’, or of a ‘menacing character’.

The 46-year-old was an inspector based in South Norfolk when the alleged offences took place.

Norfolk Constabulary confirmed that he has resigned from the force.

In a statement, it said: “Norfolk Constabulary can confirm that a former police officer is due to appear in Norwich Magistrates Court on February 21 charged with online offences.”

Section 127 offences carry a sentence of up to 15 weeks imprisonment with “abuse of trust” identified as an aggravating factor.