This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-29363583
The article has changed 3 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Version 1 | Version 2 |
---|---|
Gatwick Airport PCSO jailed for stealing from passengers | Gatwick Airport PCSO jailed for stealing from passengers |
(about 21 hours later) | |
A Sussex PCSO who stole thousands of pounds from passengers while on duty at Gatwick Airport, has been jailed for six and a half years | A Sussex PCSO who stole thousands of pounds from passengers while on duty at Gatwick Airport, has been jailed for six and a half years |
Alexis Scott, 39, tricked people into thinking they had too much cash on them as they boarded flights in April 2013. | Alexis Scott, 39, tricked people into thinking they had too much cash on them as they boarded flights in April 2013. |
She was convicted of six counts of theft and one count of misfeasance - carrying out a legal act illegally - at Canterbury Crown Court in July. | She was convicted of six counts of theft and one count of misfeasance - carrying out a legal act illegally - at Canterbury Crown Court in July. |
Scott, of High Grove, London, was told she preyed on victims' "panic". | Scott, of High Grove, London, was told she preyed on victims' "panic". |
'Bold and planned' | 'Bold and planned' |
Judge James Mahoney said the severity of her crime meant she would be split up from her young daughter, who had been with her at a mother and baby unit since she was remanded in custody in July. | Judge James Mahoney said the severity of her crime meant she would be split up from her young daughter, who had been with her at a mother and baby unit since she was remanded in custody in July. |
He said: "I have human feelings, I am a father. The judicial duty doesn't come harder. | He said: "I have human feelings, I am a father. The judicial duty doesn't come harder. |
"It was over a limited time that you did this but it was bold, persistent, systematic, planned and subtle," Judge Mahoney added. | "It was over a limited time that you did this but it was bold, persistent, systematic, planned and subtle," Judge Mahoney added. |
"You preyed on victims' lack of sophistication and panic." | "You preyed on victims' lack of sophistication and panic." |
During the trial, the court was told Scott had targeted long-haul passengers at the North Terminal. | During the trial, the court was told Scott had targeted long-haul passengers at the North Terminal. |
People said they were approached at the departure gate and told they could not take more than £1,000 in cash out of the country. | People said they were approached at the departure gate and told they could not take more than £1,000 in cash out of the country. |
They were then told they could claim it back when they returned. | They were then told they could claim it back when they returned. |
Judge Mahoney said: "This is a case about an official PCSO using her uniform and her status to commit serious criminal offences herself." | Judge Mahoney said: "This is a case about an official PCSO using her uniform and her status to commit serious criminal offences herself." |
"It is an exceptional and very unsual case. The implication is upon the police, the public trust and the international reputation of this country," he said. | |
"People from other parts of the world find themselves being fleeced by a police officer. If that's the impression that people leaving this country go away with then that's a very serious matter." | "People from other parts of the world find themselves being fleeced by a police officer. If that's the impression that people leaving this country go away with then that's a very serious matter." |
Scott's victims lost about £13,500, which Sussex Police has since repaid. | Scott's victims lost about £13,500, which Sussex Police has since repaid. |
Scott was suspended from her position as a Police Community Support Officer when the investigation began and then dismissed for gross misconduct after a disciplinary hearing in July 2013. | Scott was suspended from her position as a Police Community Support Officer when the investigation began and then dismissed for gross misconduct after a disciplinary hearing in July 2013. |