A Chippenham cop who used work systems to stalk his ex-partner has avoided prison.
Now-former PC Andrew Edwards accessed intelligence records, the Automatic Number Plate Recognition system and the Police National Computer to monitor the woman’s movements.
The 31-year-old, of Parkfields, Chippenham, conducted the intrusive checks on his victim – and her new partner – when he was both on and off duty.
An investigation into Edwards revealed that he had visited the area of the woman’s home address on 31 occasions, many of which while he was on duty.
On one occasion he visited the victim’s home address whilst in breach of his bail conditions.
The defendant had also asked a friend to conduct searches on the victim’s social media accounts, as he had been blocked.
Edwards admitted to conducting 27 searches using police systems to find out information about his ex-partner, her male friends, and her new partner without a lawful policing purpose.
The stalker served as a response officer in Chippenham, and was suspended from his duties as soon as Wiltshire Police became aware of his actions.
He subsequently resigned from the force on 6 May amid the criminal investigation.
Edwards later pleaded guilty to stalking and misconduct in public office. At Bristol Crown Court today (Friday), he was sentenced to 20 months imprisonment, suspended for two years.
He was also ordered to complete 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days, to wear a GPS monitored tag for three months and undertake 100 hours of unpaid work.
Andrew Eddy, of the Crown Prosecution Service, said: “Andrew Edwards abused his power as a police officer to commit offences and was aware of the impact of his wrongdoing. His justification for the searches were entirely fabricated but he was caught in his lies through various audits.
“His behaviour has the potential to seriously undermine public confidence, and the former officer has rightly been held accountable for his actions thanks to the diligence and thorough investigation by Wiltshire Police.
“The Crown Prosecution Service is committed to ensuring women and girls can go about their daily lives without fear of stalking and harassment. We work closely with police to bring these cases to court and secure appropriate outcomes for victims.”
Assistant Chief Constable Ian Saunders described the former officer’s actions as “totally unacceptable”.
He said: “We demand the highest levels of integrity from our officers and staff to ensure the people we serve can have complete trust in us.
“It is quite clear that Edwards’ behaviour fell significantly short of the professional standards of behaviour that we expect from our officers and staff.
“Stalking is a very serious offence and can have a lasting impact on the victim. I hope this case demonstrates to the public that we provide a policing service without fear or favour and that no one is above the law, regardless of their profession.
“I would also like to acknowledge the officers who worked with former PC Edwards. They recognised the severity of his actions and raised their concerns through the appropriate channels.
“I understand how this can be a difficult thing to do, but they didn’t hesitate to do the right thing.”
