He was arrested as part of an undercover operation.
A serving Metropolitan Police officer has pleaded not guilty to a series of child sex offences, including grooming a 13-year-old girl with the aim of sex.
51-year-old Francois Olwage, from Stevenage, was arrested in Basingstoke, Hampshire, after an undercover operation by Hertfordshire Police.
The detective constable, who is attached to the Met’s specialist operations, appeared at Winchester Crown Court via video link for a short hearing on Friday.
He pleaded not guilty to four charges: engaging in sexual communication with a child, attempting to cause/incite a girl aged 13 to 15 to engage in sexual activity, arranging the commission of a child sex offence and meeting a girl under the age of 16 after grooming.
Prosecutors say the alleged offences occurred between October 14 and 29.
He is due to stand trial next April.
Judge Susan Evans QC ordered the policeman to remain in custody.
The Met previously said Olwage was suspended and its Directorate of Professional Standards has been informed.
The matter was also referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct.
If you have been affected by any of the details of this article, you can contact Women’s Aid’s 24 hour helpline on 1800 341 900, the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre on 1800 77 8888, or Childline on 1800 66 66 66.
