A detective harassed his colleague with almost 200 abusive text, Facebook and email messages after their relationship broke down, a court heard.

Det Sgt Panicos Monk, 44, of Bedfield, Suffolk, also pulled his car in front of hers, forcing her to stop on a busy road, Norwich magistrates were told.

The court heard Monk had left his wife and children for the woman detective.

He was given a 24-month community order after admitting harassment without violence.

He was also given a three-year restraining order, told to pay his victim £500 compensation and ordered to attend a programme aimed at improving his behaviour in relationships.

Monk, a highly-commended officer who served in Suffolk Police’s investigation management unit, started the relationship in 2009 after the pair met at the force’s Martlesham headquarters, the court heard.

‘Felt like prisoner’
But when their three-year relationship ended, he launched a campaign of harassment beginning on Valentine’s Day this year.

Over two months, he sent her almost 200 abusive messages, prosecutor Ben Brighouse said.

On one occasion, he pulled his car in front of hers, forcing her to stop. She locked herself in the vehicle and when a member of the public came to her aid, Monk showed his warrant card and told them there was nothing wrong.

Eventually, she managed to drive to safety at police headquarters.

Monk, who previously served in the Navy, will now face disciplinary action after being suspended by Suffolk Police.

In a statement read to the court, the female detective said: “I feel like a prisoner in my own home and felt compelled to take measures to improve my security.

“I leave my lights on at night and take an alarm to bed with me. I can’t go out walking alone in my own village.”

Emma Collins, representing Monk, told the court the pair had a “toxic” on-off relationship.

“This is a man who acted totally inappropriately but out of desperation,” she added.

Passing sentence, magistrate Trevor Freeborn said: “This is a serious offence over a prolonged period.

“Relationships have two sides but we are concerned with the effect on this victim.”

News published on: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-suffolk-23243579