Police force dismisses officer who harassed former partner (6 July 2015)

A police officer who harassed his former lover and sent her protected police information has been dismissed from the police force.

PC Allan Smith, 54, from Dorset sent his former lover 42,000 “frightening” messages via social media and apps – and also accessed police computers to research details about another woman he had started having a relationship with.

The Daily Mail reports that Smith served 29 years with Dorset Police, but was dismissed for bringing the force into disrepute after he admitted criminal charges including harassment. He is currently awaiting sentencing.

Chief Constable Debbie Simpson from Dorset Police said Smith had brought discredit on the police and undermined public confidence.

The police constable had met the woman he had harassed online six years ago and she had moved to Dorset to be near him. However, their relationship was described as “tempestuous” – and Smith was “insanely” jealous of the woman’s ex-husband.

Smith also had an obsessive nature – and created a “controlling, intimidating atmosphere”. From 2011, he made “spiteful, cutting and unpleasant” remarks to her when she was in contact with her ex-husband.

In August 2013, Smith searched the victim's house while she was out, looking for evidence that she was having an affair, a court was told.

In April 2014, he is said to have sent her a number of texts to try and prevent her from going on holiday, including a message which read that he hoped there would be a bomb on board a plane.

Smith also sent the woman – who cannot be named for legal reasons – protected police information.

On 1 June at Dorchester Crown Court, he pleaded guilty to harassment with fear of violence, disclosing information relating to data protection and obtaining information relating to data protection.

He had been arrested in August 2014 and had been suspended from the police force on full pay since then.

He chose not to attend a special hearing at Dorset Police on Friday (03/07/15), at which he was dismissed from the force.

It is reported that he has accepted his conviction amounted to gross misconduct – and issued a statement which said that “difficulties in his life” had caused him to make “errors in judgement”. In the statement he also claimed that he himself had been subjected to domestic violence and added:

“I wish to put on record my failings to represent the police in the traditions of policing, for which I am truly sorry.

“My failings were at a time of great difficulties in my life, both in work and my personal life.

“As a police officer I fully accept I should have dealt with matters in a more professional manner – and, had I done so, I would not have found myself or the force in such circumstances.

“During this time on bail and suspension I have lost good friends, colleagues and relatives and I have to live with the guilt of the effects it has had on others.

“I hope to move on with my life and reflect on the good times I have had with Dorset Police serving the community.

“And to grieve the loss of my mother who fought for years battling cancer.”


Duncan Lewis Domestic Violence Solicitors

Duncan Lewis domestic violence solicitors can advise victims of domestic violence on how to tackle the abuse within the law – including preventing further incidents of domestic violence and abuse towards any children in the relationship.

Duncan Lewis is a leading provider of Legal Aid services and advises on domestic violence and family matters under UK law and Islamic law.

For expert and confidential legal advice on tackling domestic violence, call the Duncan Lewis Domestic Violence Solicitors Helpline on 07920 077054.