A SERVING Metropolitan Police officer has been found guilty of stalking after repeatedly harassing a woman he met while he was on duty.

Jonathan Simon, who lives in Stanway, allegedly started a sexual relationship with a woman after she called the police over a dispute with a neighbour.

The 43-year-old then made repeated visits to her home and left her messages and voicemails, despite having been told she did not want to see him anymore.

Westminster Magistrates’ Court heard some of the unwarranted visits to her home were made while he was on duty.

Gazette: Trial - Jonathan Simon was convicted following a two day trial at Westminster Magistrates' CourtTrial - Jonathan Simon was convicted following a two day trial at Westminster Magistrates' Court (Image: PA/Press Association Images)

In one instance he attended the victim’s home address and then her place of work and suggested her window was unsecured in an apparent bid to get her to speak to him.

He was arrested in July last year in relation to a course of behaviour which is said to have taken place between October 2021 and July 2022.

Simon, from Stanway, has now been convicted following a two day trial at the same court and will be sentenced on April 4.

The Met’s Directorate of Professional Standards has been informed and made a referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct.

Simon, who joined the police as a special constable in 2010 before becoming a salaried officer in 2013, remains suspended from duty.

Gazette: Aerial view - Simon lives in ColchesterAerial view - Simon lives in Colchester (Image: Newsquest)

Misconduct proceedings will now take place as soon as possible, a Met spokesman said.

Simon was attached to the Met’s East Area Command Unit.

Chief Supt Stuart Bell, responsible for policing within the unit, said Simon “abused his position” as a police officer.

He added: "PC Simon's behaviour was unwarranted, unwanted and caused significant concern to the victim.

“Our officers cannot behave like this and we will be proactive in identifying and taking positive action against those who do.

"Despite being repeatedly asked to stop he subjected the victim to a campaign of harassment which caused her considerable distress.

“He abused his position as a police officer and has now rightly been convicted as a result."