Former PCSO who sent threatening letter sentenced

A former Leicestershire Police Community Support Officer has been sentenced to 14 months imprisonment after he admitted sending a threatening letter to a woman.

Mohammed Miah, 26, hand delivered the letter to the address of the woman, who he knew outside of work, while off-duty on 9 April 2022. The letter made a demand for the woman to perform a sexual act. It stated that if she did not do this, her life would be ruined.

The letter was reported to police leading to Miah, who was serving as a PCSO in the force, being arrested six days later following concern raised during enquiries. The matter was originally referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct who referred the case back to the force for local investigation.

Miah, of Syston, Leicestershire, initially denied any involvement and was released while the enquiries continued. He was suspended from duty while the investigation was ongoing.

On 8 December, during an interview, Miah then admitted being responsible for delivering the letter. He also admitted to misuse of force computers. This was in relation to searches regarding the victim and people known to her as well as other people known to Miah. The searches were not made for a policing purpose.

Miah resigned from the force in January this year.

At Leicester Magistrates Court on 14 April 2023, Miah pleaded guilty to sending a threatening letter under the Malicious Communications Act and to three counts of misuse of a force computer under the Computer Misuse Act.

Today (Thursday), at Leicester Crown Court, he was sentenced to 14 months imprisonment.

Chief Constable Rob Nixon said: “My thoughts and thanks firstly remain with the victim of this despicable crime. I thank her for her co-operation and support with the force during this investigation and hope today’s conclusion helps her in some small way.

“It is disgraceful that this offence was committed by one of our serving PCSOs. There is absolutely no excuse for this behaviour and it will not be tolerated within our force.

“Following initial enquiries, Miah was arrested and immediately suspended from duty to allow a full investigation to take place. Miah eventually did admit responsibility. Following the conclusion of the court case, while Miah has since resigned, internal misconduct proceedings will now be progressed in relation to placing Miah on the College of Policing Barred List.

“The actions of Miah do not reflect the hard work, professionalism and dedication of our many officers and staff across force who continue to serve and protect our communities of Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland at the highest level. Building and maintaining trust and confidence in our workforce always remains at the forefront of what we do and we will continue to challenge any unacceptable behaviour that does not meet the professional standards expected both by the public and by ourselves in force.”