A detective sergeant has been sacked by Suffolk Constabulary after he was convicted of harassing his ex-partner and fellow police officer

Panicos Monk was given a three-year restraining order after subjecting the detective constable to two months of harassment following the breakdown of their relationship.

Monk, of Church Road, Bedfield, near Framlingham, received numerous commendations during his 19-year police career and was working in the constabulary’s investigation management unit.

However, internal disciplinary proceedings resumed after his sentencing by Norwich magistrates in July.

On Wednesday the 44-year-old was dismissed from the force.

AnneMarie Breach, a spokeswoman for Suffolk Constabulary, said: “Following a gross misconduct hearing on September 11 Suffolk police can confirm a 44-year-old man has been dismissed with three months notice from his role as a serving police officer.”

At Monk’s sentencing the court heard his victim said she felt like a prisoner in her own home during the harassment.

The relationship began in 2009 after the couple met at the force’s Martlesham headquarters.

However, when their three years together ended, Monk launched a campaign of harassment beginning on Valentine’s Day this year. Over two months, he sent his ex-partner almost 200 abusive text, Facebook and e-mail messages.

Suspecting she had met somebody else, he hacked her Facebook account to spy on her.

On one occasion he pulled his car in front of hers, forcing her to stop on a busy road, the court heard.

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.

Afterwards the detective constable became suspicious that Monk was following her in his car.

Monk admitted harassment without violence. He was given a 24-month community order, the restraining order, and was also told to pay his ex-girlfriend £500 compensation.

Emma Collins, representing Monk, said “This is a man who acted totally inappropriately, but out of desperation.”