The officer, who was previously based at Buxton Police Station, was found to have breached the police’s standards of professional conduct in relation to conduct, confidentiality and duties and responsibilities.

He will also be placed on the banned list, preventing future employment in the police service.

The investigation began following a referral by Derbyshire Constabulary to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

It was established that Mr Pearson met the woman on the same day they met and after he texted her while he was still at work.

Some of PC Pearson’s messages were of a sexual nature and more than 200 were sent by him while on duty, the court heard.

IOPC chief operating officer Steve Noonan said: “PC Pearson abused his authority and position of trust by pursuing an inappropriate emotional relationship with a member of the public he met on duty.

“The aggravating features of this case are that it was not a one-off incident and he continued to send sexual messages for several months after the woman indicated that she was emotionally vulnerable.

“It was also clear from his messages that he knew what he was doing was not wrong and could get him in trouble. He has now been held accountable for his behaviour.”