A FORMER Essex Police officer from Thurrock has been given a suspended jail sentence for harassing a woman.

Ben Burnell, 36, was a serving officer based in Grays when he was arrested in September last year and was charged with the harassment that took place between August and September last year.

He sent her a series of messages and a letter and, despite her asking him repeatedly to stop, he turned up at her home uninvited.

Burnell, of Crest Avenue, Grays, was dismissed from the force following a gross misconduct hearing in March this year in relation with an unconnected matter.

He was found guilty of a charge of harassment without violence at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court on 4 May.

At the same court yesterday (Friday, 2 June), he was sentenced to 12 weeks in prison suspended for 18 months. He has also been given an 18 month restraining order.

The force's Deputy Chief constable Andy Prophet said: "Ben Burnell subjected the woman in this case to an ordeal which left her constantly looking over her shoulder.

"He refused to leave her alone, despite repeated requests to do so. He left her feeling afraid in her own home and that is something no-one should experience.

"I want to pay tribute to the victim who has shown great bravery. I hope this court result will help her move forward.

"Burnell was a serving Essex Police officer at the time of these offences and his behaviour was completely unacceptable.

"I expect the highest standards of professional behaviour from all officers and staff. 

"I expect officers to live by the oath they have taken and the words it contains - fairness – integrity – diligence – impartiality, as they strive to help people, keep people safe and catch criminals.

"The work our Professional Standards Department (PSD) carries out means that we are better able to identify officers and staff members who have fallen short of these standards and ensure they are dealt with appropriately and robustly. 

"In supporting the thousands of officers, staff and volunteers in Essex Police who work so hard and do amazing work, since the beginning of May last year we have dismissed nearly 20 officers who fail to live up to those standards – including Ben Burnell.

"Tackling all violence against women and girls is an absolute priority for Essex Police.

"Reported incidents of stalking, domestic abuse, and sexual offences have fallen, and pleasingly we're solving more cases.

"That's said, one incident like this is one too many and we will continue to work to stamp it out."