A 23-year-old mother from Strood, Kent, faces court after impersonating a police officer in a threatening text message to a complete stranger. Daisy Armstrong sent the menacing message on September 20, claiming officers and social services were en route to his home to remove his three children over alleged theft and fraud.
The Threatening Message
Armstrong targeted Richard Stannard, whom she had never met, following a TikTok influencer’s accusation that he stole a car. The text read: “Hello Richie Stannard this is the police can you please give a call back regarding a report made against you in September please. Officers are their (sic) on their way to your home along with social services we fear them three kids are in serious danger with you and your partner Lauren Deacon my badge number is PC15290 and the report is regarding theft and fraud.”
It continued: “You just said you would contact the station so I gave you my badge number for you to confirm we are already on route please get the kids stuff ready we can’t leave them in yours or Lauren’s care as your both under investigation for serious issues reported. If you did want to call my station im at Barry police station and again my badge/force number is PC15290 again, Mr Stannard, I’ll see you soon.”
The badge number PC15290 belonged to a real Kent Police officer, PC Davis, who had previously assisted Armstrong as a victim of crime. The message caused significant alarm and distress to Stannard, who suspected further harassment.
Court Appearance and Charges
Armstrong appeared before Maidstone magistrates earlier this month, pleading guilty to sending a false communication intended to cause harm and falsely claiming to be a police constable. Prosecutor David Holman stated: “She’s pleaded guilty to two matters. Richard Stannard was sent a text message saying a police report was made in September for harassment in relation to a matter. This raised suspicion as the messages said officers were on their way to his home, as his three children were in danger.”
Holman added that Armstrong initially denied sending the message during her interview, claiming she had lost possession of her phone, but ultimately admitted guilt. He requested a restraining order to prevent further contact with Stannard or his partner.
Defense and Background
Defender Aneeka Dhaliwal highlighted Armstrong’s challenges: “She’s a single mum to two young girls, and she accepts this matter was a stupid mistake she’s made and she has genuine remorse. She was in an abusive relationship for three years with the father of her eldest daughter and now has a non-molestation order against him.”
Dhaliwal described the act as a spur-of-the-moment decision influenced by the TikTok post. Armstrong receives about £1,700 monthly from Universal Credit and PIP, and lives with ADHD and Oppositional Defiant Disorder.
Sentence
Magistrates credited her early guilty plea and imposed a 12-month conditional discharge. She must pay a £26 victim surcharge and £85 in court costs. The bench declined a restraining order, deeming it unnecessary.
