UPDATE: A former police CCTV operator, Russell Hassler, has been sentenced for using his position to manipulate and control his partner in an alarming case of coercive behavior. On October 18, 2023, Swansea Crown Court revealed that Hassler’s actions included unlawfully accessing police databases and monitoring his partner’s movements through CCTV cameras.
In a shocking revelation, the court heard how Hassler, aged 43, exploited his role at Dyfed-Powys Police‘s Carmarthen headquarters to track his partner’s every move, sending her photos taken from surveillance footage with menacing captions like “stalked.” Prosecutor Bethan Evans illustrated how Hassler’s behavior turned his partner’s life into a nightmare, as she felt constantly monitored and anxious about going out.
Describing Hassler’s actions as “insidious,” Judge Huw Rees noted the “subtlety” of his manipulative tactics, which were driven by his own paranoia and insecurity. The victim characterized her relationship with Hassler as akin to living with a “Jekyll and Hyde-type character,” emphasizing the emotional toll the relentless control took on her.
The court learned that Hassler not only spied on his partner but also accessed sensitive police information about her previous interactions with law enforcement and even contacted her family members with invasive inquiries. This behavior forced the victim into a state of hyper-vigilance, making her reluctant to socialize with friends.
Following the couple’s separation, Hassler continued his intrusive surveillance, prompting his partner to report him to the police. Authorities arrested him, and he resigned amid the investigation. In court, Hassler admitted to “showing off his power and importance” through his unlawful access to police intelligence.
In a poignant impact statement, the victim revealed the profound anxiety and isolation caused by Hassler’s actions, stating that the overwhelming nature of his abuse made her question her ability to continue with life. She reported feeling unable to return to work due to the emotional distress inflicted upon her.
Hassler, who previously admitted to engaging in controlling behavior and breaching data protection laws, faced the court with a history of convictions and cautions. Despite his past issues with substance abuse, his defense attorney, Ryan Bowen, urged the court to consider alternatives to imprisonment, citing Hassler’s current family commitments, including a pregnant fiancée and children.
Ultimately, Judge Rees sentenced Hassler to 17 months in prison, suspended for 18 months, along with 180 hours of community service and a £500 fine for the data protection breach. The court emphasized the need for rehabilitation rather than immediate imprisonment, but the implications of Hassler’s actions continue to resonate deeply with his victim.
This chilling case serves as a stark reminder of the pervasive nature of domestic abuse and the urgent need for heightened awareness and prevention measures within communities. For those affected, support and resources are available to help navigate the aftermath of such trauma.
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