A Harpenden policeman who stalked his girlfriend under the guise of a fake ex-partner has been jailed.

British Transport Police officer Steven Campbell, 28, created social media and email accounts for a fake-ex girlfriend to torment his real partner online.

He sent his victim sinister messages and photos of the inside of their shared house in “the most malicious, nasty, manipulative form of controlling psychological abuse that I have come across”, according to Judge Jonathan Carroll.

Campbell admitted aggravated stalking and was sentenced to 18 months in prison at St Albans Crown Court today (Friday).