A former Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) has been sentenced having sent numerous inappropriate messages to female members of the public.

Julian Randall-Stratton, aged 45, from Hemel Hempstead, has been given a 6 months sentence suspended for 18 months, as he must now abide by an electronic curfew between 7pm and 7am for three months.

Appearing at Luton Crown Court for sentencing after being found guilty of one count of misconduct in public office on Tuesday 16 July.

The court previously heard that Randall-Stratton worked with the Safer Neighbourhood Teams in Hemel Hempstead and Berkhamsted from October 2012 up until his suspension in May 2018.

Prior to joining Hertfordshire Constabulary, Randall-Stratton had served as a PCSO in Wiltshire Police since 2007.

He made inappropriate contact with women he met through his work in Dacorum between January 2017 and April 2018.

In some cases, he obtained the women’s details and contacted them even after they reported a crime. He proceeded to send flirtatious messages and photographs to them via WhatsApp and social media platforms.

One of the women Randall-Stratton sent messages to told him: “Men like you make me sick. Stop messaging me.”

He gave them lifts, got them to wear his uniform, and took photographs of them.

One of whom was only 17 years old at the time, and was uncomfortable with Randall-Stratton’s behaviour but did not feel they could challenge it.

The incidents first came to light in March 2018 after one of the victims contacted the police and Hertfordshire Constabulary arrested Randall-Stratton.

who was then put on restricted duties and prohibited from interacting with the public whilst the investigation continued. The investigation subsequently found further inappropriate contact had been made with more victims, some of whom were vulnerable, and at this stage he was suspended from duty on Tuesday 20 August, an internal misconduct hearing was held in his absence. As a result, the decision was made to dismiss him from the force with immediate effect.

Deputy Chief Constable Michelle Dunn said: “I would like to first pay tribute to the victims, who have shown courage and dignity throughout this case. I want to reassure the public that we will not tolerate any abuse of authority.

“We know the vast majority of our officers and staff display exemplary standards of conduct while both on and off duty. They are utterly dismayed by the actions of their former colleague whose conduct has damaged public trust and confidence.

“Julian Randall-Stratton’s behaviour has greatly undermined the vitally important work carried out by our police officers and staff every single day. He has no place within Hertfordshire Constabulary.”

If you have any information about this or any other offences please contact DS Liz Slaughter in the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Professional Standards Department at Biggleswade Police Station on 01234 842502 or elizabeth.slaughter@herts.pnn.police.uk