A special constable whose job was to grade indecent images of children, has admitted molesting a sleeping six-year-old.

Craig Keane, 28, of Wickford, who volunteered as a Metropolitan Special Constabulary (MSC) and worked as a teacher at The Sandon School in Chelmsford, was charged with nine counts of sexually assaulting a child under the age of 13. He appeared at Snaresbrook Crown Court yesterday.

Keane, who was baby-sitting a friend’s children in Havering, carried out his offences on a sleeping six-year-old but was unaware he was being filmed.

Prosecutor Jeremy Hayes said: “The child was never aware of any touching.

“Another child was in the room aged 11, who was concerned. He hid a camera behind a curtain.”

Although commenting that Keane was of previous good character, Mr Hayes continued: “He was a baby-sitter, a friend of the family at the time and a serving special constable.

“The child was young and vulnerable. This was an abuse of trust.”

As a special constable, Keane’s position was to grade indecent images of children.

His defence council, Heather Oliver, argued a point that the assault was a “sustained” attack and explained how the film captured Keane assaulting the child at different points but on the same evening.

Referring to Keane as being of previous good character, she added: “He has taken steps to address what might be the underlying cause of this offence.”

Summing up the case, judge Alastair Hammerton said: “You have pleaded guilty to nine charges and will be sentenced for all these matters.”

The teacher was banned from entering Havering, unless prior permission was given so that he could visit his sick grandmother.

Keane was required to sign the sex offenders register immediately and placed on an electronic tag for a 10am to 6pm curfew.

He was also banned from having contact with a child under the age of 16 unless supervised by someone over 18.

The case was adjourned until Monday, March 20 for sentencing.