A police officer in the West Area Command Unit has been dismissed for Gross Misconduct after being convicted of harassment. 

PC Kyle Cole was convicted of harassment without violence at Wimbledon Magistrates' Court on Monday 13th December after he sent several messages and made a number of phone calls to a woman between the 7th and 27th April 2022. 

He was then subject to an accelerated misconduct hearing at Palestra House on Monday 27th March, where Cole was found to have breached the standards of professional behaviour in respect of Discreditable Conduct and was dismissed without notice. 

Chief Superintendent Sean Wilson, in charge of policing in West Area, said: "Police officers need to demonstrate the highest standards of behaviour, on and off duty, and PC Cole's actions fell way below this. 

"I am extremely disappointed that one of my officers has acted in a way that has caused distress to a woman." 

Former PC Cole will now be added to the Barred List held by the College of Policing. Those appearing on the list cannot be employed by police, local policing bodies (PCCs), the Independent Office for Police Conduct or His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services. 

In addition to a community order, PC Cole was ordered to undergo alcohol rehabilitation treatment for three months, carry out 150 hours of unpaid community work, pay £2,500 in compensation to the victim, court costs of £775 and a surcharge of £95.