FORMER NORTHUMBRIA POLICE WORKER JAILED FOR THREATENING TEENAGE GIRL WITH STABBING CALLS
A former Northumbria Police civilian employee, John Fennelly, has been sentenced to 16 months in jail for misconduct in public office and sending malicious communications.Fennelly, aged 57 and residing in North Walbottle, unlawfully accessed police computer records, including details of his ex-partner who had reported being assaulted.
Driven by a disturbed sense of loyalty and obsession, he also looked up information on three youths suspected of assaulting her and attempted to contact them.
His abusive behavior culminated in a disturbing series of anonymous threatening calls to a 14-year-old girl, during which he repeatedly threatened to stab her and her family, leaving her 'absolutely terrified.' The court heard that Fennelly's actions damaged public confidence in police integrity.
Judge Julie Clemitson emphasized that his misconduct eroded trust and resulted in vulnerable individuals feeling unsafe.
Despite glowing references from colleagues, the court found his behavior unacceptable, and he was also issued a restraining order not to contact his ex or the youths he targeted.
Fennelly's defense argued that his behavior was out of character and linked to a mental health breakdown, but the court maintained that his actions were serious breaches of duty.
The police have condemned his conduct, stating that his behavior was completely unacceptable and not representative of the force, and confirmed that he resigned after suspension.
The victim, a young girl, expressed her fear and disappointment, stating, 'I have completely changed since this incident.
I'm scared.
I don't know what the man looks like and it worries me when I see other men.' His ex-partner also voiced her concerns, noting that her details on the police database had been accessed and that she has had to take security measures to protect herself and her family.
