Officer sent grossly offensive communications

A Devon and Cornwall police officer has admitted sending indecent and grossly offensive communications with intent to cause distress or anxiety to another woman.

PC Jess Smith, 32, from Hayle, Cornwall, was initially arrested and bailed in August 2022 and has remained suspended from duty since.

Smith pleaded guilty to the communications act offence at Exeter Crown Court on Wednesday.

The offence relates to incidents that took place between May 2021 and May 2022.

The prosecution said the plea to the charge was acceptable and a jury trial was no longer necessary.

Smith, who wept as she entered her plea, will be sentenced in July after a pre-sentence report is prepared.

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