A former North Yorkshire Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) who made unauthorised searches on police computer systems has been sentenced.

Daisy Pennock, 26, of North Yorkshire Police, pleaded guilty at York Magistrates’ Court in November to seven charges under the Computer Misuse Act 1990.

She was sentenced yesterday (Monday, December 11) at Scarborough Magistrates’ Court and received a 12-month community order to carry out 60 hours of unpaid work. She was also fined £85 and ordered to pay a £114 victim surcharge.

An investigation, carried out by North Yorkshire Police’s Professional Standards Department under the direction of the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), began in November 2022 following a referral from the force.

It found that between April and November 2021 Pennock made unlawful searches on a police database to access information about people known to her without a policing purpose and information derived from these searches were provided to third parties.

IOPC director of major investigations Steve Noonan said: “Former PCSO Pennock breached North Yorkshire Police policy by accessing its computer systems for a non-policing purpose. 

“She abused the trust put in her and her actions have the potential to damage the public’s confidence in policing.

“The investigation ensured she was held accountable for her actions and she now has a criminal record as a result. I am grateful to all those involved in ensuring justice was served today.”

On conclusion of the investigation in March 2023, a file of evidence was sent to the Crown Prosecution Service, which authorised the charges.

An IOPC spokesperson added: “We also found former PCSO Pennock had a case to answer for gross misconduct for alleged breaches of the police staff standards of professional behaviour with respect to discreditable conduct and confidentiality.”