‘Devious and repulsive’ PCSO targeted women for sex

By Rick Lyon

A former Humberside Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) who abused his position of trust to target women for sex faces prison after pleading guilty to misconduct in public office and attempting to pervert the course of justice.

Simon Smith, 49, of Gilberdyke, pursued and formed inappropriate sexual relationships with women he encountered in his position as a PCSO, often when he was on duty, over a period of 10 years.

He attempted to cover up his actions by asking one of the women he was in contact with not to talk to the police.

Smith today pleaded guilty at Hull Crown Court to three counts of misconduct in public office and one count of attempting to pervert the course of justice. He will be sentenced on May 6.

Humberside Police launched an internal investigation after receiving information about Smith’s conduct. A criminal investigation was also launched and the force referred the case to the Independent Office of Police Conduct (IOPC).

The IOPC managed the investigation and a decision was jointly reached that the case should be referred to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), resulting in the four charges being brought against Smith.

The internal investigation was paused to allow for the criminal investigation to take place, during which Smith resigned from the force.

The internal investigation will continue to a misconduct hearing when Smith has been sentenced. Following this, Smith could be placed on the College of Policing’s barred list, meaning he will never again be able to work for any police force in the country.

Detective Superintendent Matt Baldwin, Head of Professional Standards at Humberside Police, said: “As a PCSO, Smith was in a role where the local community trusted him, and he completely abused his position for his own advantage and sexual gain.

“I want to thank the victims in this case for their bravery and courage in supporting the investigation, as without their assistance the result today would not have been possible.

“Smith’s actions were utterly reprehensible and we will absolutely not tolerate, accept or condone this kind of behaviour, that ultimately can undermine the public’s confidence in us as Humberside Police, and in policing.

“I would encourage anyone who believes they may have been a victim of this type of offence by a member of a police force to please report them and be assured they will always be treated sensitively and taken seriously.

“We hold all of our officers and staff to the highest standards of behaviour, with their integrity vital and professionalism crucial in maintaining the trust and confidence of the communities we serve.

“Smith’s devious and repulsive behaviour gravely failed to uphold and maintain the standards both we and, more importantly, the public, expect.

“We will always thoroughly investigate any misconduct within the force and I want to make very clear that there are no exceptions.

“We are continually striving to better ourselves and provide excellent policing to our communities, and anyone who fails in their responsibility to serve and protect the public and meet our high expectations will unreservedly always be held accountable for their actions.”