Former York police officer jailed for stalking and coercive behaviour

A former York police officer named Michael John Parker, aged 28, from Osbaldwick, has been sentenced to five years in jail and a ten-year restraining order after being found guilty of coercive and controlling behavior along with stalking against a woman. Parker, who was serving as an operational officer with North Yorkshire Police at the time of the offenses, was convicted by a jury on July 25 following a two-week trial at Sheffield Crown Court. Due to the seriousness of his offending, the judge remanded him into custody until sentencing. The court revealed that Parker developed a relationship with a colleague during their training as police officers, during which he exerted control over her. He dictated her actions and whereabouts, bombarded her with messages, calls, and radio communications, and demanded knowledge of her activities and company. Despite her attempts to end the relationship, Parker insisted it would only end when he allowed it. Colleagues noticed his abusive behavior, including derogatory comments and the impact on the victim's mental state and work performance, and reported these concerns. Parker was arrested in November 2020, suspended, and eventually resigned before sentencing. An investigation uncovered excessive messages and mobile data indicating coercive and controlling behavior. North Yorkshire Police's Deputy Chief Constable emphasized that such conduct has no place in the force and praised officers who raised concerns. Parker was sentenced to two years and six months for each crime, to run consecutively. The article also encourages victims of domestic abuse to seek help and provides contact information for local support services.