Sutton police officer sent sexually inappropriate comments to victim of crime

A former Sutton police officer has been given a suspended jail term for sending sexually inappropriate messages to a woman.

Nottingham Crown Court was told how Simon Abell pleaded guilty to the offences against a vulnerable victim of crime between November 2011 and February 2012.

The former PC, based at the intelligence office in Sutton, had two further charges of misconduct in a public office against him dropped after pleading not guilty to them.

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Abell (42), was suspended after his arrest and resigned from the force on 23rd May.

The former PC was given six months in prison, suspended for 12 months, and ordered to carry out 150 hours unpaid community service.

Detective Superintendent Jackie Alexander, head of the Force’s Professional Standards Directorate, said: “Abell should have been there to protect vulnerable people and uphold the law but instead he abused his position and failed to meet the high standards of integrity and professionalism that we expect from all our officers and employees.

“We need to acknowledge that in all professions there will be a minority of individuals who try and use their position for abuse or sexual exploitation, and sadly this will, on occasion, also include these who work in policing. It is only by acknowledging this fact, and ensuring that where there is any suggestion of abuse a transparent and professional investigation is conducted, that we can then reassure the public that we continue to deserve their trust and confidence.

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“Simon Abell not only acted criminally towards to a vulnerable person, but he also let down the vast number of officers and staff who are committed to helping and supporting people in their time of need. I hope that this case does reassure the people of Nottinghamshire that we are actively committed to identifying and rooting out these kinds of behaviour when they occur.”

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