A Sussex Police officer has been sacked after he was caught selling himself for sexual services while on sick leave.

PC Daniel Moss, 39, based at Hastings, became under formal investigation on December 2 and was immediately suspended from duty.

He was caught advertised himself online as a male prostitute and offered services to perform sexual acts for cash.

A Sussex Police spokesman said this demonstrating a clear conflict in personal and professional interests.

Moss had been on sick leave from September for a stress-related illness.

The constable was hauled before a public gross misconduct hearing held at Sussex Police headquaters today.

The disciplinary panel found that he had behaved in a manner that had discredited the police service or undermined public confidence.

Moss, who did not attend the hearing, was sacked with immediate effect.

Detective Chief Inspector Nick Wainwright, of Sussex Police's Professional Standards Department, said: "Police officers must behave in a manner that does not discredit the police service or undermine public confidence, whether on or off duty.

"Ex-PC Moss, who was on long-term sick leave, ostensibly for a stress-related illness, was still able to offer himself as being available to perform sexual services for payment, which is clearly completely out of keeping with his role that others uphold with pride, integrity and with the trust of the public whom they serve."