SOUTH Wales Police has condemned one of its former Inspectors, from Barry, after a court heard he had taken part in internet discussions about abusing children.

Geraint Lloyd Evans, of Purdey Close, admitted inciting another man to engage in unlawful sexual activity with a child under the age of 13.

Evans, 47, also admitted possessing 179 images of extreme pornography, including images involving animals.

Assistant Chief Constable Nick Croft said the former officer’s actions were ‘completely unacceptable and abhorrent’.

Swansea Crown Court heard that married Evans' pleas emerged during the three-day trial of 47-year-old Keith Bold, a chartered surveyor from Skewen near Neath.

Bold had denied encouraging Evans to take part in sex with children but was convicted. He is already serving a 28-month sentence for possessing and distributing images of child abuse.

He will be sentenced alongside Evans later this month.

During Bold's trial the jury was shown a transcript of a written conversation he had with Evans over the internet.

Evans said: "Are you interested in meeting at my friend's house in Caerphilly?”

Bold replied: "Yes, I think it could be cool. I wish we could have some young to play with."

Evans: "That could be an option."

Bold: "How?"

Evans: "My mate has some pervy mates who could oblige but only once they know you're genuine."

Prosecuting, John Hipkin told the jury the prosecution did not have to show that any children had actually been molested, only that the discussions amounted to encouragement. However, it was true that Evans did have a friend in Caerphilly.

The indecent images were found on Evans' computer, along with a log of the chatroom discussions he had had with other men, after police raided his home.

Evans' barrister, Patrick Griffiths, said the discussions represented the expression of fantasies and that there had not been any real intention to sexually assault children. He also said that Evans found it ‘distressing’ to have to report weekly to former colleagues at Bridgend police station as part of his bail conditions.

Evans, who was bailed to an address in Bridgend, Bold and two other men will be sentenced following reports.

Assistant Chief Constable Nick Croft said Evans was suspended from duty in January 2011 and was dismissed from South Wales Police in September.

He said: "The South Wales Police Public Protection Department and Professional Standards Anti-Corruption Unit conducted a thorough investigation into his conduct.

"The investigation was managed by the Independent Police Complaints Commission, and demonstrates that we will bring offenders to justice regardless of their occupation or background.

"Evans was in a position of great trust within the community he served, but that trust was breached by this criminal behaviour,” he added.

"His actions are completely unacceptable and abhorrent; his colleagues feel let down, and I am sure that local communities will feel the same way."