A police community support officer (PCSO) sent sexual messages to female members of the public he met while out on patrol.

Julian Randall-Stratton, aged 45, from Hemel Hempstead, sent flirtatious messages and photographs to three women and a 17-year-old girl.

He also gave them lifts, got one to try on his uniform, insisted on buying two of his victims breakfast, and took photographs of them, after meeting them while out on patrol in Dacorum between January 2017 and April 2018.

Luton Crown Court heard that Randall-Stratton served on safer neighbourhood teams in Hemel Hempstead and Berkhamsted from October 2012 up until his suspension in May 2018.

The incidents came to light in March 2018 when one of the victims contacted police. As soon as Hertfordshire Constabulary was made aware of the allegation, Randall-Stratton was arrested and released under investigation.

He was then given restricted duties and prohibited from interacting with the public. An investigation into Randall-Stratton found further inappropriate contact had been made with more "vulnerable" victims. He was then suspended.

The PCSO had pleaded not guilty to one count of misconduct in public office but was found guilty at Luton Crown Court yesterday. He will be sentenced on August 27.

He remains suspended from Hertfordshire Constabulary and internal misconduct procedures are underway.

Assistant chief constable Bill Jephson said: “Abuse of position by police officers or staff is never acceptable as it causes harm or distress to the very people we should be protecting and keeping safe.

“Julian Randall-Stratton's conduct fell woefully short of the high standards of integrity and behaviour the public rightly expect from their police service. His conviction demonstrates that Hertfordshire Constabulary actively roots out misconduct and will press criminal charges where appropriate, or instigate internal disciplinary procedures.

“The vast majority of our officers and staff display the very highest standards of conduct while both on and off duty. They are dismayed by the actions of their former colleague whose conduct has damaged the trust and confidence the public should have in their police service.

“Please be assured that there is no place for such behaviour here in Hertfordshire Constabulary.”

If you have any information about this or any other offences please contact DS Liz Slaughter on 01234 842502 or elizabeth.slaughter@herts.pnn.police.uk

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