Disgraced Met Detective Dies in Custody Amid Scandal
Former Metropolitan Police detective Warren Arter has died in his cell at HMP Wandsworth, less than a week after being charged with misconduct. The 54-year-old ex-Detective Inspector faced accusations of making sexual advances towards victims and offering cocaine to women at swingers’ parties.
Charged with Misconduct After Years on Suspension
Arter was remanded in custody following a Westminster Magistrates’ Court hearing on Wednesday and died two days later on Friday. He was due to appear at Woolwich Crown Court next month, charged with misconduct in public office after allegations of inappropriate contact with a crime victim.
Dismissed for gross misconduct in May last year, Arter had been suspended on full pay for six years after claims surfaced of drug use and dealing at swingers’ parties. His suspension, starting in 2016, reportedly cost Scotland Yard around £400,000 in salary.
Drug-Fuelled Lifestyle Behind the Badge
Arter was part of a rape investigation unit praised for its detection rates but was accused of pestering sexual offence victims between 2006 and 2013. He also offered Class A drugs, including cocaine and MDMA, to women and attended cocaine-fuelled parties. Photographic evidence from his misconduct hearing showed him posing with lines of cocaine and drug paraphernalia.
Despite overwhelming evidence, the Crown Prosecution Service dropped drug dealing charges against him. However, his conduct violated police standards on honesty, integrity, respect, and responsibility.
Final Days and Ongoing Investigations
Arter was arrested returning from Jamaica in 2016 with drug paraphernalia and later tested positive for cocaine while in custody. The Independent Office for Police Conduct uncovered text messages revealing drug purchases and supply offers made by Arter between 2016 and 2018.
He was also set to face another disciplinary hearing over alleged sexual abuse of his position. A Prison Service spokesperson confirmed his death and said: “As with all deaths in custody, the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman will investigate.
