A policeman who admitted having sex with women he met while working in a specialist sex crime unit has been jailed for three years.
A judge said Det Sgt John Cragg had "abused the trust of the public" by having relationships with the women who he met in the course of his duties.
The 42-year-old was sentenced today (FRI) after pleading guilty at Liverpool Crown Court to two charges of misconduct in a public office.
He admitted having sexual relationships with the two women, in breach of hisprofessional duties.
One was the mother of a rape victim. The second a woman who was one of three who had made allegations that they had been raped by two men.
Cragg resigned from Lancashire Constabulary on 8th November 2010, after he was accused of having sexual intercourse with one of the complainants
He was arrested on 14th December and admitted the offence.
As a result the Crown Prosecution Service decided to drop the case against the two men accused of raping a mother, daughter and her friend.
A former colleagues described Cragg as "a highly experienced officer" who had been engaged in "Operation Aquamarine", a multi-agency unit set up to provide support for victims of sexual abuse.
It was in that role that he also admitted having sexual encounters with another woman - the mother of a rape - folowing the conclusion of that case in 2009.
Cragg admitted frequently visiting the woman home and engaging in sex, while on duty and carrying his warrant card.
Prosecuting counsel Miss Kim Egerton said: "Mr Cragg was subject to questioning by his colleagues in what is known as an 'ethical interview' prior to his resignation.
"He denied any wrongdoing in that interview but later admitted the details of his relationships.
"He said he did not want to lie about the investigation, or his relationship and so felt that to tell the truth was the only option."
Defence counsel, Miss Joanne Shepherd, said Cragg had made a "gross error of judgement" and blamed his actions on problems at home and the breakdown of his second marriage.
She said: "My client has suffered a catastrophic fall from grace. He has made a gross error of judgement and is thoroughly ashamed of his behaviour.
"He was in a turmoil at home and should have sought help for himself.
"His role was to support and care for others, those who had been affected by cases of sexual abuse.
"In many ways he went beyond the boundaries of that care."
Lancashire Constabulary said that Cragg had failed in his duty to display the qualities of an police officer and that his actions would not be tolerated in the force.
A spokesman for the force said: "Honesty and integrity are two of the most important characteristics of a police officer and John Cragg has failed to display those qualities.
"His job was to help people in a vulnerable position, ensure their safety and make sure they were supported.
"Instead he abused the trust placed in him and took advantage of the situation. Such behaviour will not be tolerated from the officers and staff of this Constabulary."
Looking well-tanned and wearing a dark blue suit, dark-haried Cragg, of Formby, Merseyside, showed no emotion as he sat in the dock and did not speak.
Sentencing him, Hudge John Roberts said he saw "no reason" to hand down anything other than a custodial sentence saying his crimes had been an abuse of public trust.
He said: "Two lots of court proceedings, including three potential victims, were abandoned because of your relationships.
"You also admitted having sexual relationships with a woman while you were on a duty in a role that you are paid for and which comes with the trust of the public.
"I bear in mind that you have lost everything including your job and your wife. But I see no reason whatsoever to hand down anything other than a custodial sentence."
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