A COP and her colleague changed the sexuality of her ex-husband on official records as a “juvenile prank”.
Sergeant Sophie Watterson-Jones, 36, and Constable Mark Hempsall, 58, accessed the police computer to tweak the existing “no entry” box to “homosexual”.
The pair have now pleaded guilty to the unauthorised modification of police computer data under the Computer Security Act.
Watterson-Jones’ ex told the court it would be “highly embarrassing” for him if something appeared claiming he was gay.
He said in a victim impact statement that as a Muslim, he would have to explain he was straight.
The man added: “This worries me. I should not be in this position.”
Magistrates in the Isle of Man were told that the so-called prank came to light when messages on Watterson-Jones’ phone were downloaded.
Hempsall wrote in one “You like this” as Watterson-Jones replied: “That made me giggle.”
She continued: “Love it”.
The court heard Hempsall had instigated the offence but, as his superior officer, Watterson-Jones should have stopped him.
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Prosecutor Harry Bellis said the tweak appeared to be a joke between the two defendants.
“But of course modification of data of that nature is not a joke and the consequences are taken seriously”, he added.
Both officers were fined £2,000 and each ordered each to pay £500 prosecution costs.
Sentencing, magistrates said: “As police officers you should have known better.
“While this may be looked at by some as a juvenile prank you were both serving police officers.
‘The real damage here is the impact which these offences have on the public’s trust and confidence in the Isle of Man Constabulary.”
An Isle of Man Constabulary spokesperson said: “The Isle of Man Constabulary notes the outcome of the court proceedings concerning the serving police officers.
“The Constabulary is considering the implications of the court’s findings and any consequential internal processes. It would be inappropriate to comment further while those matters remain ongoing.”