Ex police officer jailed for stalking 20-year-old

Davis was sentenced at Exeter Magistrates' Court

A former Devon and Cornwall Police officer has been jailed for four months for stalking and accessing a database for a non-policing purpose.

Kevin Davis, 41, of Seafield Road, Seaton, Devon, was sentenced at Exeter Magistrates' Court on Wednesday.

The court heard Davis, who was no longer a police constable, made "unwanted contact" with the victim in messages on social media, before eventually approaching her at a gym they were both members at - making her feel vulnerable and unsafe.

Davis had viewed the young woman's social media accounts 100 times, the court heard.

'Undermined the trust'

District Judge Stuart Smith said they were "very serious offences" against a "very vulnerable young lady".

He added Davis had "seriously undermined the trust" placed in police.

The judge said anything but jail would have a significant effect on the public's trust.

DI Vicky Lewandowski, from Devon and Cornwall Police's Professional Standards Department said Davis was suspended from duty in June after a "serious report" against him.

Ms Lewandowski said the department carried out a detailed investigation.

She said: "Investigations of this nature are not straightforward, and I would like to praise the victim for her bravery and resilience in supporting this throughout the judicial process.

"We expect all our officers and staff to maintain high levels of professional standards and behaviour, Davis has shown a disregard for this expectation."