Former police officer convicted of homophobic text messages

A former police officer who sent homophobic text messages to a female colleague who was also her ex-partner has been sentenced to a community order.

Jess Smith, 33, from Hayle, Cornwall, admitted sending malicious communications between May 2021 and May 2022 at an earlier hearing at Exeter Crown Court.

He was handed an 18-month community order and a five-year restraining order on Friday.

She was also ordered to do 100 hours of unpaid work and pay £500 compensation.

Smith resigned from her job as a constable in Devon and Cornwall Police.

The offense relates to incidents between January 2021 and June 2022 in Cornwall, which took place when she was both on and off duty.

The court heard on Friday that Smith worked with the victim for three years and they became friends before they began an intimate domestic relationship in May 2021.

Prosecutor Victoria Bastock said Smith became jealous of her partner’s behavior towards colleagues and friends.

She said Smith sent her partner messages that “put her down and insulted her”.

When interviewed by police, Smith admitted to suffering from jealousy.

Defense barrister Joss Ticehurst said: “He is sincerely sorry that things have come to this position. He feels shame and remorse.”

Judge Stephen Climie said the five-year restraining order bans her from contacting her ex-partner and Smith had acted “completely out of character”.

He added: “You have lost your career as a result of this behaviour.”

Assistant Chief Constable Glen Mayhew said the messages were “homophobic in nature, causing distress and anxiety to the victim”.

Mr Mayhew added: “The behavior exhibited by Jess Smith was completely inappropriate and not representative of how any police officer or person should behave.”

He added: “I hope today’s result will bring some closure to what must have been a challenging few years for the victim, who we offer ongoing support.”