A FORMER Wiltshire Police officer has been handed a suspended sentence after he used police systems to stalk his ex girlfriend.

Andrew Edwards, 31, from Chippenham admitted to carrying out 27 searches of his former partner, her male friends and her new partner through police systems without a lawful policing purpose.

Edwards also visited his ex’s home on 31 occasions – both on and off duty – and asked colleagues to research her social media as he had been blocked from viewing it.

He served as a response officer in Chippenham and was suspended from his duties as soon as the force became aware of his actions.

He subsequently resigned from the force on May 6 during the criminal investigation.

Edwards appeared at Bristol Crown Court on Friday (September 12) where he pleaded guilty to the offences.

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He was sentenced to 20 months imprisonment, suspended for two years. He was also ordered to complete 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days, three months of trail monitoring and 100 hours of unpaid work.

Assistant chief constable Ian Saunders described Edwards’ actions as “totally unacceptable”.

“We demand the highest levels of integrity from our officers and staff to ensure the people we serve can have complete trust in us,” he said.

“It is quite clear that Edwards’ behaviour fell significantly short of the professional standards of behaviour that we expect from our officers and staff.

“Stalking is a very serious offence and can have a lasting impact on the victim. I hope this case demonstrates to the public that we provide a policing service without fear or favour and that no one is above the law, regardless of their profession.

“I would also like to acknowledge the officers who worked with former PC Edwards. They recognised the severity of his actions and raised their concerns through the appropriate channels.

“I understand how this can be a difficult thing to do, but they didn’t hesitate to do the right thing.”

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