Did a Detective Stalk Their Ex-Partner and Make False Paedophile Accusations?

This article examines the disturbing case of a Northumbria Police detective, Sue Thorpe, who was convicted of stalking her ex-partner and misusing police resources to harass him. Thorpe's actions included making false allegations of serious crimes, sending abusive communications, and attempting to damage his business, leading to significant emotional and professional distress for the victim.

Last updated: 06 October 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways

• Detective Sue Thorpe stalked her former partner for over a year, making false accusations.
• She misused the Police National Computer to gather information on him.
• Thorpe was sentenced to a two-year suspended sentence and a 10-year restraining order.
• The victim reported severe emotional distress and business repercussions due to her actions.
• Thorpe's behaviour has raised concerns about police integrity and public trust.

The Background of the Case

In a deeply troubling case that highlights the potential for abuse of power within law enforcement, Sue Thorpe, a 46-year-old detective with Northumbria Police, was found guilty of stalking her former partner. The relationship, which lasted around five years, ended tumultuously after personal tragedies, including the miscarriage of twins, left Thorpe in a fragile mental state. The situation escalated during the COVID-19 lockdown, when both were forced to live together, exacerbating existing tensions.

Details of the Stalking

Between June 2020 and September 2021, Thorpe's behaviour became increasingly erratic. Prosecutor Matthew Hopkins outlined the extent of her actions, which included:

• Sending numerous unwanted and abusive voicemails, texts, and emails to her ex-partner.
• Making serious and false allegations, including claims of paedophilia and domestic violence.
• Attempting to sabotage his surfing business through online accusations and communications with relevant charities and local authorities.
• Using fake email accounts to contact organisations and individuals connected to her ex-partner.
• Infiltrating his workplace by making personal visits.

Impacts on the Victim

The emotional toll on the victim was profound. He described feeling "utterly depressed" and "physically sick" upon reading her messages. The accusations led to significant anxiety not only for him but also for his family, particularly his son, who began seeing a counsellor due to the stress induced by Thorpe’s harassment. The victim expressed concern over the public perception of him, aggravated by the fact that Thorpe was a serving police officer, which could lead some to believe her false claims.

Legal Proceedings and Sentencing

Following her conviction, Thorpe was sentenced to a two-year suspended sentence and a ten-year restraining order, which prohibits her from contacting the victim. The presiding judge, Amanda Rippon, condemned Thorpe’s actions as not only harmful to the victim but also damaging to public confidence in the police force. She remarked on the seriousness of her offences, emphasising the erosion of trust that such misconduct can cause within the community.

Misuse of Police Resources

One of the most alarming aspects of this case is the misuse of the Police National Computer by Thorpe. According to the prosecution, her actions in accessing sensitive information about her ex-partner raised serious concerns regarding accountability within the police force. This misuse of police resources compounded the severity of her stalking behaviour and highlighted a troubling breach of trust.

The Defence's Argument

In her defence, Thorpe's legal representative, Robin Patton, argued that her behaviour stemmed from significant mental health issues exacerbated by personal trauma. He noted that she had lost her unborn twins shortly before her stalking behaviour began. The defence contended that her actions were out of character and that she had since taken steps to distance herself from the victim.

Reactions from Law Enforcement

Following the court's decision, Detective Superintendent Donna Rose from Northumbria Police issued a statement condemning Thorpe's actions, asserting that they were not representative of the police force as a whole. She acknowledged the importance of maintaining public trust and indicated that misconduct proceedings were underway against Thorpe, who had already resigned from her position.

Social and Professional Ramifications

Thorpe's case has broader implications for both her future and the integrity of the police force. Having served as a police officer for 19 years, her actions have not only jeopardised her own career but have also raised questions about the effectiveness of internal oversight within law enforcement. The victim's business suffered significantly as a result of Thorpe's actions, leading to a drop in bookings and potential long-term consequences for his professional future.

Conclusion

The disturbing case of Sue Thorpe serves as a stark reminder of the potential for abuse of power within police forces and the devastating effects of harassment on victims. It underscores the need for robust mechanisms to protect individuals from stalking and harassment, especially when the perpetrator is in a position of authority. As society grapples with issues of trust and accountability in law enforcement, this case may serve as a catalyst for discussions on reform and oversight.

FAQs

What were the main accusations made by Sue Thorpe against her former partner?

Sue Thorpe accused her ex-partner of being a paedophile, domestic violence, and infidelity, all of which were proven to be false.

What was the outcome of Sue Thorpe's court case?

Sue Thorpe received a two-year suspended sentence and a ten-year restraining order for her stalking behaviour and misuse of police resources.

How did Sue Thorpe's actions affect her victim?

The victim experienced severe emotional distress, anxiety, and business losses due to Thorpe's harassment and false accusations.

What steps are being taken by Northumbria Police in response to this case?

Northumbria Police confirmed that misconduct proceedings are underway against Thorpe, who has already resigned from her position.

What mental health issues did Sue Thorpe face?

Thorpe reportedly suffered from PTSD and other mental health challenges, which her defence claimed contributed to her erratic behaviour.

#Stalking #PoliceMisconduct #MentalHealthAwareness