Former police officer sentenced for stalking of colleague

A former Leicestershire police constable has been sentenced to 22 months’ imprisonment after pleading guilty to stalking a colleague and computer misuse.

Former PC John Stuart Clough, 51, of Leicestershire, was sentenced at Northampton Crown Court today (Thursday 8 August) after previously pleading guilty to the offences, which were committed between 2022 and 2023.

He was also issued with a five-year restraining order.

Clough resigned from the force in March 2024. Following the conviction, misconduct proceedings will now take place in force.

Clough was found to have continuously messaged the female victim, who is a Leicestershire Police officer, and attended incidents without necessity which the victim was attending in her role as an officer. He also accessed police systems to monitor where the victim was.

The victim informed Clough of the distress his behaviour was causing to her which led to him apologising. However his behaviour continued following this.

Following the victim reporting her concerns in force, Clough was arrested on suspicion of stalking.

The force has continued to provide welfare support to the victim of the offences throughout the investigation.

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.

“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.”