Prison for policeman in trysts with lover

Ricci Giff, 38, a motorcycle officer with SO6 whose job included guarding Downing Street and anti-terrorism work, left his patrol area checking some of London’s most sensitive buildings on three occasions in late 2011 to meet Melissa Ramsden, 37.

They included one meeting at the Peel Centre at the Metropolitan Police’s training centre in Hendon, north London, five miles from his patrol area.

Others took place during night shifts at her flat in Kilburn, when he told his partner he was going to meet a friend in Paddington.

On one occasion his unattended police motorcycle was found outside her flat by officers who raised the alarm in case he was in danger, only to see him come out and ride off.

Southwark Crown Court heard that Miss Ramsden, who worked for the Israeli government tourism office in the capital committed suicide in December 2011. She had a history of depression.

He was not implicated in her death, the court heard, but photographs and text messages found by investigating officers on her phone revealed their relationship.

Married Giff, of Sandy, Bedfordshire, who has two young children and 15 years experience as a police officer, admitted three counts of misconduct in a public office at an earlier hearing.

He was jailed for what Judge Anthony Pitts said was behaviour that could not be tolerated by an officer in such an important role.

Giff looked visibly shocked when he was given an immediate custodial sentence.

The court heard that at the time of the affair Giff was going through a “baby blues” period with his second wife.

Richard Atchley, representing Giff, said: “He has paid a high price for his foolish and unprofessional behaviour.”

Giff remains a police officer pending disciplinary proceedings, Mr Atchley said, which will see him sacked.