Cop used database to spy on women
A former police officer who used a police database to snoop on women can now be named.
Jeremy Malifa, 34, appeared in the Auckland District Court on Monday and pleaded guilty to 21 charges of accessing police computer systems to retrieve personal information about 21 women.
The judge said that given his guilty plea Malifa would likely face a sentence of 12 months’ home detention, pending the outcome of a pre-sentencing report.
The offending took place between 2010 and 2016 and in various parts of New Zealand, including Wellington, according to court documents.
Malifa used the police system to look up women he was attracted to, and in some instances began sexual relationships with them.
The judge told Malifa his offending had been ‘‘absolutely unacceptable’’ and would result in reduced public trust in police officers.
‘‘You have brought shame and embarrassment to police through your actions,’’ the judge said.
The names of the complainants are suppressed.
Malifa has since left the police force and is understood to be working in construction.
He has been bailed to live at a north Auckland address and ordered by the court not to contact the complainants.
Malifa was married at the time of the offending, and has a child.
It is understood he is now separated and his former partner has changed her surname.
Police have declined to answer questions about Malifa’s time with police, including his rank and how long he spent as a police officer.
Malifa was believed to have acted alone.
A final sentencing date is yet to be determined.