A lesbian police community support officer
has been jailed for almost a year after divulging confidential
information in her home town.
Wrexham's Lisa Stapley, 39, admitted four charges of misconduct
in public office during the case at Mold Crown Court.
In particular, she confessed to informing a friend that police
were looking for her.
According to the BBC, the court heard there was no financial
gain, and in three of the four charges she was not advancing any
criminal purpose for anyone else or prejudicing any police
operation.
But the judge described her actions as a "gross breach of trust"
which forced him to give her a custodial sentence.
"The court has a duty not only to punish you, but to send out a
message to those who work in the police - either as police officers
or community support officers, that such behaviour is so serious
that only immediate custody can be imposed."
Stapley was jailed for ten months.
After sentencing, deputy chief constable, Ian Shannon, said:
"This case demonstrates our resolve to thoroughly and rigorously
investigate any instance where the integrity of our staff may be
called into question."
He added: "In any case, where corruption is found, we will
ensure that those responsible are brought to justice, as we have
done in this case."
