Cambridgeshire policeman sentenced for controlling behaviour

The officer was told he was "very lucky" to not be leaving court in a prison van

A police officer has been told by a judge he was "lucky" not to have been jailed for controlling and coercive behaviour.

PC George Georgiou, 44, from Ware, Hertfordshire, serves with Cambridgeshire Police.

St Albans Crown Court heard he used his position to "bully" his victim and "caused her to fear violence".

Judge Richard Foster sentenced him to 18 months in prison, suspended for two years.

The court heard Georgiou, who was convicted at an earlier hearing, had threatened to hit his victim and told her if she reported it "no-one would believe her" as he was a police officer.

Cambridgeshire Police said he was on restricted duties and would be "subject to the police conduct regulations disciplinary process."

'Persistent action'

The judge told Georgiou, who is based at Thorpe Wood Police Station in Peterborough,: "It was a drip, drip of offences. You dragged her down month after month.

"It was persistent action over a prolonged period. You caused her to fear violence on at least two occasions. You ruined a good part of her life.

"You are very lucky to be leaving by the front door and not in a prison van."

He must also pay £1,200 in costs, carry out 150 hours of unpaid work, attend 10 rehabilitation days and a building better relationships programme.

The judge also made a five-year restraining order banning Georgiou from contacting the victim.

Deputy Chief Constable Jane Gyford said: "I commend the courage the victim showed in reporting this officer's behaviour and in supporting the investigation.

"Serving as a Cambridgeshire police officer is a privilege and we expect our officers to behave to the highest standards."