The Metropolitan Police has announced that six ex-officers from their ranks are facing charges for transmitting highly offensive racist content through WhatsApp.
These charges stem from an inquiry launched by the Met’s Directorate of Professional Standards, which was initiated following an investigative report by BBC Newsnight in October of the previous year.
Reportedly, certain messages containing racist content, including references to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, were exchanged in the aforementioned chat group, as per information from the BBC.
One individual among them, named Robert Lewis, formerly held a position within the Home Office. This fact has been confirmed by the government department, which stated that he was dismissed due to severe misconduct in November of the previous year.
Efforts are being steadfastly exerted to restore the public’s trust, which has understandably suffered setbacks due to a series of prominent incidents and inquiries involving either current or former officers in recent times.
Commander James Harman, representing the Metropolitan Police, expressed this sentiment.
The group of six men facing charges is as follows:
- Peter Booth, aged 66, residing in Llandeilo, Carmarthenshire, has been accused of committing four instances of sending grossly offensive racist messages through public communication channels. He concluded his service with the Met in April 2001.
- Robert Lewis, aged 62, living in Camberley, Surrey, faces eight charges of sending grossly offensive racist messages via public communication means. He concluded his service with the Met in May 2015.
- Anthony Elsom, aged 67, residing in Bournemouth, Dorset, has been charged with three counts of transmitting grossly offensive racist messages through public communication channels. He completed his service with the Met in May 2012.
Included in this group is Alan Hall, aged 65, residing in Stowmarket, Suffolk. He faces charges involving three counts of sending grossly offensive racist messages via public communication channels. His tenure with the Met concluded in June 2015.
Also, among those facing charges is Michael Chadwell, aged 62, residing in Liss, Hampshire. He has been charged with one count of transmitting grossly offensive racist messages via public communication channels. His service with the Met ended in November 2015.
Furthermore, Trevor Lewton, aged 65, hailing from Swansea, South Wales, has been charged with one count of sending grossly offensive racist messages through public communication platforms. His time with the Met concluded in August 2009.
The investigation discovered that inappropriate communications were exchanged within a private WhatsApp group between August 2018 and September 2022, as confirmed by the Metropolitan Police.
These officers, whose retirements span from 2001 to 2015, have been formally charged through postal communication with offenses under the Communications Act 2003. Their appearances are scheduled for September 7 at Westminster Magistrates’ Court.
It is hoped that the general public will acknowledge our resolute commitment to investigating any misconduct wherever it may be uncovered.
As emphasized by Commander James Harman of the Metropolitan Police, it is essential to note that the six men involved were not actively serving within the police force during their involvement in the aforementioned group.
The Metropolitan Police further clarified that these individuals had served in diverse capacities within the force throughout their careers. Additionally, each of them had experienced stints within what is currently referred to as the Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection Command.
Commander James Harman, who leads the Met’s Anti-Corruption and Abuse Command, said: “As soon as we were made aware of these allegations we acted to launch an investigation. I am pleased that following the determined work of officers we have been able to secure these charges.
“We are working relentlessly to rebuild the trust of the public which has understandably been dented by a number of high-profile incidents and investigations in recent years which have involved officers or former officers.
“The honest majority of Met officers are fully behind this work. They are tired of being let down by a minority in policing and they are aware of the damage poor behaviour can do to our relationship with the communities we serve.
“I recognise announcements about the outcome of our investigations may have the potential to cause further public concern, but I hope it demonstrates our absolute commitment to investigate any corrupt and abusive behaviour from the Met.
“I hope the public will recognise that we are determined to take the necessary measures to investigate any wrongdoing wherever we find it.”