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  1. Media Law
August 22, 2014

Police officer facing jail term after telling The Sun about supermodel assault accusation

By Press Gazette

A former police community support officer (PCSO) with the Metropolitan Police is facing a prison sentence after admitting he contacted The Sun to say a supermodel was attending a police station accused of assault.

Paul Randall, 49, was told by Judge Timothy Pontius at the Old Bailey: "This reveals a serious breach of trust and a prison sentence is likely."

Randall, of south west London, admitted one count of misconduct in public office.

Stuart Biggs, prosecuting, said Randall worked as a PCSO in Westminster borough for about five years.

On one occasion during that time, on 25 October, 2006, he contacted The Sun because a famous supermodel had attended the police station in connection with an allegation of assault.

Biggs told the court: "He telephoned The Sun newspaper and gave information about her presence, which at the least allowed the newspaper to send photographers, and gave them notice that she was facing an allegation."

The judge, who said Randall has no previous convictions, asked for pre-sentence and health reports.

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He told Randall: "You will know that, in all likelihood, a prison sentence will follow. Whether that is so, and if so, what length, will remain entirely a matter for the sentencing judge."

Bail was renewed, with the condition that Randall should live and sleep at an address given to the court.

The case was adjourned for reports and he will be sentenced on 18 September.

Earlier this week it emerged that The Sun had paid £1,600 to the mother of a police officer in another case for information about an actor who had tried to kill himself.

The officer used his mother as a conduit for information about not just that story, the court heard, but also for information about an alleged sexual misconduct involving off-duty police officers in a pub.

In that case the officer was given a 12-month prison sentence and his mother was given a suspended sentence.

Email pged@pressgazette.co.uk to point out mistakes, provide story tips or send in a letter for publication on our "Letters Page" blog

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