PC pursued sexual relationship with crime victim

Ross Martin admits misconduct in a public office

A Surrey Police officer who admitted engaging in inappropriate behaviour with a vulnerable victim of crime has been given a suspended prison sentence.

Ross Martin, of Cobden Street in Gosport, Hampshire, sent the victim "messages of a sexual nature" over a two-week period in 2024, the force said.

The 35-year-old former police constable was given a two-month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months, at Winchester Crown Court on Wednesday after pleading guilty to misconduct in a public office at an earlier hearing.

Det Ch Insp James Ansell, of Surrey Police's anti-corruption unit, said crimes committed by officers "simply cannot be condoned".

The court also ordered Martin to undertake 200 hours of unpaid work and imposed a five-year restraining order.

"We recognise the impact this case will have both on the Surrey public and our own officers and staff," Det Ch Insp Ansell said in a statement.

"Thankfully, the majority of our officers and staff come to work each day to protect the public and do so with honesty and integrity."

Surrey Police found Martin should be sacked, had he not quit three days previously, at a misconduct hearing in February.