A former police constable from Devon & Cornwall Police has today (Friday July 12) been sentenced for malicious communications after being convicted on June 5.
Jess Smith, 33, from Hayle, appeared at Exeter Crown Court where she was given an 18-month community order and a restraining order for five years. She will also do 100 hours of unpaid work and pay £500 compensation.
At a hearing in June, Smith entered a guilty plea to malicious communications. A second charge of coercive behaviour was not proceeded with following consultation between all interested parties.
The offence relates to incidents which occurred between January 2021 and June 2022 in Cornwall, which took place when she was both on and off duty.
Former PC Smith was arrested in August 2022 and suspended from duty while the investigation was carried out. She has since resigned from Devon & Cornwall Police.
Assistant Chief Constable Glen Mayhew said: “The behaviour displayed by Jess Smith was completely inappropriate and not representative of how any police officer, or person, should behave.
“Over a protracted period of time she sent multiple malicious communications, which were homophobic in nature, causing distress and anxiety to the victim.
“I would like to thank the victim for supporting the police investigation. I hope the outcome today brings an element of closure to what must have been a challenging few years for the victim, who we are providing ongoing support to.
“The criminal element of this investigation has now concluded, and it will now be subject to a full internal disciplinary process. It would be inappropriate to provide further comment at this time.”
If members of the public have any concerns in respect of any member of Devon & Cornwall Police, they are encouraged to come forward and contact the police on what they know.
Anyone can report their concerns to the police online or by telephone on 101.
Information can be passed anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555111, or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org
Allegations of corruption can also be reported online at Police corruption | Devon & Cornwall Police (devon-cornwall.police.uk)