Police officer who stalked partner sentenced

A Surrey Police officer who stalked his partner has been handed a two-year restraining order.

PC Jake Mullarkey, a firearms officer, put an Apple AirTag in his partner's car and checked it dozens of times a day.

Data from his phone showed more 600 uses of an app linked to the device from 14 July 2024 to and 27 July 2024.

The 37-year-old was given the restraining order at Brighton Magistrates' Court on Monday.

He was also ordered to carry out 15 rehab days to address his behaviour, 150 hours unpaid work and was fined £650 with a £114 victim surcharge.

Mullarkey, who was based at Burpham, in Guildford, was charged after the victim reported on 27 July 2024 that she had found an electronic tracker in her car and that she believed she was being stalked by Mullarkey.

He was arrested the next day and subsequently suspended by the force.

The device was found wrapped in black tape and hidden in the wheel well in the boot of the victim's car.

Mullarkey admitted putting the device in the vehicle but said that he had placed it there due to safety concerns.

Another magnetic car tracker was also found in Mullarkey's possession and an order for another tracker was found in his emails.

Mullarkey will also be subject to misconduct proceedings at Surrey Police headquarters on 4 August.

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