PCSO accused of stabbing herself to make a false compensation claim appears in court for perverting the course of justice

A former PCSO appeared in court today accused of deliberately stabbing herself in an attempt to fake a compensation claim for her injuries.

Olivia Morphew, 24, said she was stabbed in an attack in Esher, Surrey, in June 2022. Three teenagers were subsequently arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.

However, an investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) found that she had allegedly stabbed herself to death in an attempt to obtain compensation.

The former Surrey Police PCSO, who spoke only to confirm her name, appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court this morning charged with fraud, perverting the course of justice and possessing a knife in a public place.

She was seen leaving the courthouse after being granted unconditional release.

The case has now been referred to Southwark Crown Court for a plea and trial preparation hearing on October 9.

When she was found with a “serious” knife wound to her arm, three teenagers were arrested on attempted murder charges in nearby Claygate the same day. A kitchen knife with a 9cm stainless steel blade was recovered from the scene.

Surrey Police said at the time they were “appalled” by the alleged attack.

However, an investigation later revealed that she had stabbed herself and subsequently filed a claim for compensation for her injuries.

No further action has been taken against the three boys who were arrested when Morphew, of Hertford, reported the attack.

Morphew was charged following an investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct

Senior District Judge Paul Goldspring told the court that the next hearing on the perverted course of justice charge would take place at Southwark Crown Court.

The charges followed an investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct.

A spokesman said: “Our investigation began following a police report in July 2022.”

“After completing our investigation in April 2023, we forwarded a file of evidence to the public prosecutor's office, which approved the charges.”

Morphew is said to have resigned in September 2022 following the IOPC investigation.