Sentencing hearing for Sydney cop who had sex with underage teen
A Sydney police officer is facing a potentially lengthy prison sentence after pleading guilty to having sex with a 15-year-old girl who he met after being called to her school so she could report an assault.
Matthew Townsend, 29, was working in Campbelltown in August last year when he met the teenager, who he then contacted on Instagram.
"You're cute, would you like to meet up?" one of the messages to the schoolgirl read.
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Former police officer Matthew Townsend, 29, has admitted to having sex with a 15-year-old schoolgirl. Supplied
The teenager initially deleted the texts, but over the course of six weeks they talked and the conversation turned sexual.
On September 20, Townsend bought the girl vodka Cruisers and Jack Daniels in exchange for sex.
He also admitted to giving the 15-year-old a mango-flavoured Monster energy drink to meet up, and buying vapes.
When the teenage girl thought she was pregnant, the former police officer offered her $800 for an abortion.
In court today Townsend admitted that he hid the relationship from his housemates because he "didn't want them to go to police".
After being called to the girl's school, Matthew Townsend started messaging her on Instagram. 9News
He started to cry as he listed the family members who'd turned up to support him in court.
The 29-year-old also revealed during questioning he's been kept alone in prison and wants to "fly under the radar".
He said he believes if other prisoners "found out who I was … I would receive death threats".
Townsend has previously pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual intercourse with a child between the ages of 14 and 16 years old.
He remains in custody while he awaits sentencing.
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