A Policeman who quit the force after being caught using Police computers to solicit gay sex has applied for a job as a security officer at CedarBridge Academy, The Royal Gazette can reveal.

He handed back his Police uniform after a young man he had targeted blew the whistle on him and contacted senior officers to complain.

"I can confirm that an officer has resigned of his own accord as a result of an internal investigation,'' reported a Police spokeswoman yesterday.

CedarBridge Academy principal Ernest Payette said he could not confirm if the man -- who cannot be named for legal reasons -- was joining the school as a security officer as hirings were handled by the Board of Governors.

He added: "These are pretty strong allegations. I would be most apprehensive if these allegations were correct. I certainly will be in contact with the Board.'' Mr. Payette added that new staff at the school normally went through stringent background checks before being hired.

CedarBridge Academy Board of Governors chairman Garry Madeiros did not return messages left at his home last night.

An anonymous female Police officer leaked the news about the man to The Royal Gazette earlier this week.

The source said the man had been with the Police Service for eight months during which time he misused the computer.

The woman said the man used the hi-tech network to identify a young gay man working at a Hamilton bank. He then called the man and solicited him for sex.

The banker played along with the man and then called the Police to complain, continued the source.

She claimed that the complaint landed on Police Commissioner Colin Coxall's desk and he confronted the officer who handed in his resignation.

After handing in his resignation last month the former officer applied and apparently landed a job as a security officer at CedarBridge Academy.

The source said he was bragging about his new position and was due to start at his new post shortly.

The man has a previous conviction but the latest incident was handled internally, continued the female officer.

It is understood that the man was convicted as a paedophile and later received his certificate of rehabilitation which was why he was able to join the Police Service.

EDUCATION ED