Met Police Staffer in Hot Water Over Gruesome Crash Photos
A Metropolitan Police staff member has been hauled into court accused of taking and sharing shocking images of dead crash victims after a fatal smash on the A13 in Wennington.
Luke Pearce Faces Serious Charges
Luke Pearce, 26, from Sandhurst, Berkshire, is charged with two counts of misconduct in a public office. He appeared at Southwark Crown Court on Thursday, 28 August.
Horrific Allegations From Fatal East London Crash
The allegations stem from a tragic collision on 15 July 2024 in East London that claimed three lives.
- Prosecutors say Pearce snapped photos inside the wrecked BMW involved in the crash.
- The images reportedly showed “bodily matter,” including human brains.
- He allegedly airdropped these graphic photos to another Met staff member.
Prosecution and Defence Battle It Out
“The defendant is accused of taking photos of human remains after a road traffic accident and thereafter distributing them,” prosecutor Dickon Reid told the court.
Defence lawyer Kerrie Ann Rowan didn’t deny Pearce’s conduct but argued over whether he legally counts as a “public police officer” and if he had access to the Police National Computer at the time.
Background and Next Steps
Pearce worked at a Metropolitan Police car pound from July 2020 until October 2024, according to his social media. He has since retrained as a mechanic.
Wearing a white shirt and dark jumper, Pearce quietly confirmed his identity in court but did not enter a plea.
Judge Tony Baumgartner granted him unconditional bail. Pearce is next due in court on 17 October at Southwark Crown Court.
