Married cop jailed for nine months after lover’s suicide

Melissa Ramsden

Diplomatic protection officer Ricci Giff abandoned his post guarding an embassy — for trysts with Israeli Tourism PR Melissa Ramsden, 37.

The affair emerged after she took an overdose in December 2011.

Photos of Melissa Ramsden which showed her in the nude with his gun belt were then found on her mobile phone.

A court heard Giff, 38, was a motorcycle officer with SO6 - whose job included guarding Downing Street and anti-terrorism work.

But it emerged he had left his patrol area checking some of London’s most sensitive buildings on three occasions in late 2011 to meet Melissa.

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.

They then raised the alarm in case he was in danger - only to see him come out and ride off.

Southwark Crown Court heard Melissa, who worked for the Israeli government tourism office in the capital – was on part of Giff’s patrol route.

She committed suicide in December 2011.

An inquest was told that Ms Ramsden was found dead by a friend at her home. She had taken a large quantity of tablets, including sleeping pills and beta blockers

The court heard he was not implicated in her death 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.

Judge Anthony Pitts jailed Giff saying his behaviour could not be tolerated as an officer in such an important role.