A FORMER Wiltshire Police officer repeatedly used police systems to stalk his ex-partner and showed up at her home on more than 30 occasions, a misconduct hearing has heard.

The hearing, held yesterday (December 3) at the Military Courts in Bulford, considered allegations against former PC Andrew Edwards, who pleaded guilty in September to stalking and misconduct in public office.

The chair, Director of People Iain Gibson, heard how Edwards misused police computer systems to research information regarding his former partner and her friends.

Edwards attended her home address on numerous occasions under false pretences and asked colleagues to search her social media profile as he had been blocked.

PC Edwards also breached bail conditions following his arrest which forbade him from contacting his former partner.

In doing so, Edwards breached the Standards of Professional Behaviour for police officers in relation to honesty and integrity, authority, respect and courtesy, confidentiality and discreditable conduct.

Edwards, based in Chippenham response, had been suspended when his offences came to light and resigned during the criminal investigation. Had he not resigned, he would have been dismissed from the Force without notice.

He will be placed on the national barred list, meaning he will not be able to work in policing in the future.

Mr Gibson said: “Edwards repeatedly abused his power as a police officer… He visited her home on more than 30 occasions, both while on duty and off duty, and continued to do so even after being arrested.

“There can be absolutely no justification for this. It is a complete breach of the trust and confidence placed in us by the public, and his behaviour falls far below the high standards we demand from our officers and staff.

“Stalking is a very serious offence with a potentially lasting impact on the victim’s physical and mental health.

“I hope today’s decision and the criminal proceedings previously concluded show how seriously we treat crimes like this, no matter who the offender is.”