Officer sentenced for harassing man after break-up

A police officer has been sentenced to a community order for harassing a man after he ended their relationship.

PC Miriam Virgo, 43, from Reading, made a series of phone calls and sent anonymous threatening messages, police said.

The officer was ordered by a judge at Winchester Crown Court to carry out 35 days of unpaid work, obey an eight-week curfew and wear an electronic tag.

She also faces two charges of gross misconduct at a Thames Valley Police hearing on 5 March.

Outlining the first disciplinary charge, the force said: "The underlying facts forming the prosecution case against her were that after Mr A ended his relationship with her on 1st June 2022, PC Virgo made a series of threats over the telephone and via text message including the sending of anonymous threatening messages."

On the second charge, the force added: "On the night of 1 June 2022 during a phone call with Mr A, which was recorded, PC Virgo can be heard speaking in a threatening, abusive and aggressive tone... which was totally unbecoming of a police officer."

The two charges raise issues of discreditable conduct and respect or courtesy, the force said.

The Reading-based officer, who is suspended from duty, was also ordered by the court to pay costs of £695 and was subjected to a five-year restraining order.

Deputy Chief Constable Ben Snuggs said: "PC Miriam Virgo displayed wholly unacceptable behaviour.

"Incidents such as this, particularly from serving officers, affect public trust and confidence in our force."

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