FORMER OFFICER BANNED FROM POSTING ABOUT COLLEAGUE HE STALKED ONLINE
A former police inspector has received a court order preventing him from making posts about a serving female officer after being convicted of online stalking.Richard Dickson, 54, of Balmoral Avenue, Rushden, who served as an inspector with Bedfordshire Police until his retirement, was detained in July 2024 following a report from a current officer alleging harassment via social media.
He was found guilty of stalking at Uxbridge Magistrates’ Court after a trial that lasted three days in May.
The court’s decision on Thursday, 10 July, included an 18-month community order, a 30-day requirement for residence and rehabilitation, and a two-year restraining order that bans him from contacting the officer or posting about her online.
He was also instructed to remove all images of her from his devices and ordered to pay court costs of £794.
The District Judge described the case as ‘overwhelming’ and praised the victim and witnesses for their behavior during the trial.
She noted that Dickson’s hostility was ‘profound’ and driven by professional jealousy.
Deputy Chief Constable Dan Vajzovic stated, "Stalking and harassment either online or in person, is never acceptable.
No-one should be made to feel unsafe or distressed and we’re pleased that Dickson has been found guilty.
“We hope that this sends a clear message that we are committed to protecting women in Bedfordshire from men who seek to cause harm, and that no-one is above the law, regardless of current or previous profession.
"If you are experiencing stalking or harassment please do contact us.
You will be listened to, you will be taken seriously and supported, and we will do all we can to secure justice."
