By Aaron Miller-
A Northumbria Police officer who admitted to a harrowing campaign of stalking against his ex-girlfriend remains suspended from work on full pay.
Jonathan Waugh, 49, (pictured)from Blyth, was found guilty of stalking and misusing police computer systems to access information about his former partner and others.
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Waugh was handed a suspended prison sentence earlier this week after pleading guilty to offences of stalking and computer misuse.
The 49-year-old now remains suspended from his job with Northumbria Police as he awaits the outcome of police misconduct proceedings.
National regulations dictate that all police officers suspended from duty while misconduct investigations are carried out continue to receive full pay, and Northumbria Police, as with any other force, has no say on the matter
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Waugh received a suspended prison sentence earlier this week following his guilty plea to stalking and six counts of computer misuse.
Despite his conviction, Waugh is still suspended with pay as mandated by national regulations, pending the outcome of police misconduct proceedings.
Detective Superintendent Donna Rose, head of Northumbria Police’s Professional Standards Department, condemned Waugh’s actions, praising the bravery of the victim who came forward to report the abuse.
“The officer was suspended from duty when concerns were raised, and a thorough investigation was carried out. A file was submitted to the Crown Prosecution Service, and charges were brought leading to a conviction,” said Det Supt Rose. “Their actions were completely unacceptable and are not representative of the majority of our officers who strive to make a positive difference.”
The court heard that Waugh’s former partner ended their two-year relationship in May 2023 due to his controlling and jealous behaviour. Waugh refused to accept the breakup, bombarding her with messages and showing up at her home uninvited.
On one occasion, he barged into her house and refused to leave. A neighbour reported seeing Waugh looking through the woman’s garden fence on June 12, 2023.
Following the victim’s report to the police, it was discovered that Waugh had used police computers to search for information about her, her family, and even himself.
In sentencing Waugh to 28 weeks in prison, suspended for 18 months, Judge Caroline Sellars emphasized the gravity of his offenses. “Your actions are a serious breach of the public’s trust in the police force,” she stated. “The damage to public trust and confidence in policing is immeasurable.”
Waugh’s defense highlighted his previous 20
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