Pc Victoria Thorne entertained up to 20 clients a week after signing up to an agency called Notorious Girls.

The former constable with Northumbria Police was arrested by colleagues
last August and immediately suspended.

At Newcastle Crown Court today the 28-year-old pleaded guilty to
misconduct in public office.

The case was adjourned for the preparation of a pre-sentence report, but her barrister John Elvidge made no application for her bail to be extended.

As a result Judge John Evans adjourned the case, and said: "You must stay in custody".

The brunette, dressed in a navy blue suit, had wept on her way into court, but remained expressionless as the security guard led her to the cells at the end of the hearing.

Her loved ones wept in the public gallery as she was taken away.

Thorne appeared in court alongside six others, all charged with offences
relating to prostitution.

No pleas were taken from her co-defendants, who will be tried by a jury in the summer.

Thorne will be sentenced after their trial is concluded.

Thorne appeared on the agency website in a series of provocative poses and was known as 'Kelly'.

On her website profile she is said to be "very eager to please", but refused to wear a uniform or entertain clients from Sunderland.

Thorne, from Washington, was based at Houghton-le-Spring police station.

Thorne was among eight women and six men nabbed by officers investigating organised prostitution and corrupt public officials across Northumbria, County Durham, Greater Manchester, Cleveland and the Scottish Borders.

She was said to have been advertising herself with around 70 other women on the website.

The Notorious Girls website boasted: "We promote the finest selection of
escorts throughout the North East and North West.

"Notorious Girls offer the finest value for money and exceptional
professionalism. They possess natural beauty, intelligence and are very
enthusiastic about their chosen career.

"Rest assured that high quality is for certain and your satisfaction is
guaranteed."

The year-long investigation was headed by Northumbria Police but included other forces.

Also arrested in the investigation was police officer Simon Alistair
Harrison, who was on a career break from the force and was living in West Yorkshire.

After serving more than four years with the police, mainly in the Newcastle command area, he then took up a career teaching. However, he has accepted a caution.

A Customs worker and a civil servant were also arrested.