PC Clough

A former Leicestershire police constable would have been dismissed without notice had he still been serving, an accelerated gross misconduct hearing has found.

On August 8 this year, former PC John Stuart Clough was sentenced to 22 months imprisonment and issued with a five-year restraining order at Northampton Crown Court after pleading guilty to stalking a colleague and to computer misuse.

Between 24 November 2022 and 24 September 2023, the former officer pursued a course of conduct which amounted to stalking of his female colleague along with accessing police systems between 24 November 2022 and 9 July 2023, without authorisation, in order to monitor where the victim was.

The hearing found this conduct breached standards of professional behaviour, namely discreditable conduct.

Chief Constable Rob Nixon said: “Stalking offences of this nature understandably cause much distress to the victim. Despite being informed of the harm he was causing, Clough continued his behaviour rather than seeking advice or help.

“We will not tolerate this type of offending both in force or in our communities and will take action against it. I thank the victim for her trust in reporting this to us and allowing us to help and support her throughout.

“Following the sentencing of Clough at court, a gross misconduct hearing was held last week where I found that had Clough still been serving, he would have been dismissed without notice. I have also indicated that the former officer’s details should be included within the Police Barred List.

“I urge anyone who is a victim of stalking to speak with us. If you don’t feel ready to speak with police, then please speak with someone else who can help you. There are organisations who can help provide advice and support to you.

“More information can be found at https://www.leics.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/stalking-and-harassment/what-is-stalking-harassment/

“You can also report online at www.leics.police.uk or by calling 101. Always call 999 in an emergency.”