Russell Hasler, 43, a former civilian CCTV operator, has received a suspended prison sentence after using his position at Dyfed-Powys Police to stalk his ex-partner in what a court described as an “insidious” campaign.
His actions left Stacey Joy traumatised and her friends branding him a “monster.”
A Relationship Turned Controlling
Hasler began dating Ms Joy in 2019, and the couple had a daughter shortly afterward.
While initially appearing normal, Hasler’s controlling behaviour quickly became apparent.
He restricted her from seeing friends or even going to work.
Ms Joy attempted to leave the relationship, but strict COVID-19 travel restrictions in Wales at the time forced her to remain.
Friends say Hasler controlled her “day and night,” monitoring her every move.
Abuse Through CCTV and Police Systems
During their relationship, Hasler exploited his access to police cameras and databases.
He tracked Ms Joy on live CCTV, sent her still images with captions like “stalked,” and even photographed her mother to question her whereabouts.
The court also heard that Hasler repeatedly accessed the police intelligence database, known as “Storm logs,” using it to manipulate Ms Joy and later to monitor her new partner after the breakup.
Victim Impact and Trauma
In a victim impact statement, Ms Joy, 33, described suffering chronic anxiety as a result of Hasler’s behaviour.
She told the court, “There were times when the emotional pain, torment and relentlessness of the abuse became so overwhelming that I questioned whether I could carry on.”
Her friends expressed outrage that Hasler avoided jail, saying the suspended sentence was a “kick in the teeth” and that he should be behind bars.
The Court Case and Guilty Pleas
Hasler pleaded guilty to engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour and breaching data protection laws.
Prosecutor Bethan Evans described him as a “Jekyll and Hyde” type whose mood could change at any moment, leaving Ms Joy feeling like she was “walking on eggshells.”
The court also heard about his past substance abuse and two previous convictions, although his defense highlighted more than a decade of clean living and family responsibilities.
Sentencing and Public Reaction
Judge Huw Rees described Hasler’s actions as a “cunning plan” and “insidious,” misusing his police role to satisfy personal paranoia and insecurity.
Despite this, Hasler was sentenced to 17 months in prison, suspended for 18 months, plus 180 hours of community service, a rehabilitation course, and a £500 fine for the data breach.
DC Simon Reynolds from Dyfed-Powys Police’s Professional Standards Department condemned Hasler’s behaviour as a “betrayal of the standards the public should rightly expect,” praising Ms Joy for her courage in coming forward.
Life After the Sentence
Hasler has since resigned from the police force.
He has an adult son and a young daughter, and he is engaged to a new partner who is nine weeks pregnant.
Meanwhile, Ms Joy continues to rebuild her life after enduring years of emotional and psychological abuse.
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