Ex-PC handed suspended sentenced over stalking

Andrew Edwards admitted using police systems to look up his partner and showing up to her address dozens of times while on and off duty

A former Wiltshire Police officer has been sentenced for stalking his former partner.

Former PC Andrew Edwards, 31, from Chippenham, admitted using police systems to look up his former partner, her male friends and her new boyfriend without lawful purpose 27 times and going to her home on 31 occasions.

He pleaded guilty at Bristol Crown Court and was sentenced to 20 months in prison, suspended for two years, as well as 20 days of rehabilitation activity, three months of monitoring, and 100 hours of unpaid work.

"We demand the highest levels of integrity from our officers and staff to ensure the people we serve can have complete trust in us," said Assistant Chief Constable Ian Saunders.

"It is quite clear that Edwards' behaviour fell significantly short of the professional standards of behaviour that we expect from our officers and staff," he added.

Edwards committed offences both while on duty as a Chippenham response officer and while off duty.

Wiltshire Police suspended him when they became aware of his actions and he resigned from the force during the course of the investigation.

"Stalking is a very serious offence and can have a lasting impact on the victim," said ACC Saunders.

"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."