Police officer sentenced for stalking woman

A police officer who repeatedly harassed a woman after she ended their relationship has been sentenced for stalking.

Jonathan Simon, 44, a Metropolitan Police officer, met the woman in May 2021 after he was called to her address over an issue she was experiencing with a neighbour.

Simon returned to the woman’s home alone later that evening and the two began a relationship.

But when the victim ended their relationship, Simon began making repeated visits to her home – some of which while he was on duty.

He also left the victim messages and voicemails despite being told by the woman that she did not want to see him anymore.

Simon also said that he would look out for her on CCTV, which left the victim feeling intimidated and scared.

In one instance, he attended both her home address and then her workplace in an attempt to get her to speak to him. She reported the incidents to the police.

Simon was arrested in July last year following the course of behaviour between January and July 2022.

He was today sentenced to 16 weeks’ imprisonment, suspended for two years, and 200 hours unpaid work at Westminster Magistrates’ Court after being found guilty on 17 March.

A restraining order preventing him from contacting the victim was also imposed.

Senior Crown Prosecutor Lauren Doshi, from the Complex Casework Unit of the Crown Prosecution Service in London South, said: “The actions of the police officer terrified the victim.

“Despite being repeatedly asked to stop, he continued a campaign of harassment which caused the victim considerable distress and fear.

“He abused his position as a police officer and has now been convicted as a result.

“The Crown Prosecution Service would like to thank the victim for her help in bringing this prosecution and for reporting the crimes to the police.

“We hope the successful conclusion of this prosecution helps her to move on with her life.

“The CPS takes stalking extremely seriously, and we remain determined to bring perpetrators to justice and provide victims with the greatest possible protection from repeat offending to help them feel safe.”