A former Dorset Police officer has been jailed for nine months for harassment and data protection offences.
Former Police Constable Allan Christopher Smith, of Bovington, was sentenced at Dorchester Crown Court today, 10 July, for multiple harassment with fear of violence offences and obtaining and disclosing confidential police information.
The 54-year-old was sentenced to nine months for one count of harassment, three months imprisonment for obtaining or disclosing police information and two months imprisonment for a second data protection offence. The judge ordered that the prison sentences are to run concurrently.
Smith was also issued with an indefinite restraining order preventing him from contacting his victim.
The former officer pleaded guilty to the offences on 1 June 2015 at the same court.
He was arrested in Kent on 14 August 2014 on suspicion of harassment with fear of violence following a complaint from a member of the public.
This initiated a joint investigation between the Anti-Corruption Unit and the Criminal Investigation Department of Dorset Police and Smith was charged with the offences on 18 September 2014.
The court heard that between January 2013 and September 2014, Smith harassed his victim, a local woman, in a threatening manner by bombarding her with text message and phone calls.
It was also stated that he disclosed information in January 2014 and obtained information in March 2014 that was protected under the Data Protection Act 1998 without authority.
Superintendent Peter Windle, of Dorset Police’s Professional Standards Department, said: “Our thoughts and sympathies are with the victim in this case. We would like to thank her for her bravery in coming forward and reporting these offences and supporting the prosecution.
“Allan Smith was working in a position of trust as a frontline officer. He betrayed that trust and let down his colleagues and the police service.
“He was suspended from duty as a result of this investigation and has since been dismissed following a misconduct hearing.
“His arrest and prosecution reinforces the fact that Dorset Police expects the highest standards of professionalism and integrity from its staff.
“Any member of staff suspected of a criminal offence will be investigated and the matter referred to the Crown Prosecution Service.
“I would like to reassure the public that the Force’s Anti-Corruption Unit will proactively and robustly investigate any member of staff suspected of being involved in criminal or corrupt behaviour.
“As demonstrated by this case we are committed to protecting vulnerable people and increasing public confidence in Dorset Police.”
