Ex-Met Cops Face Child Abuse Charges
Two retired Metropolitan Police officers are set to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on February 9 over shocking child abuse allegations.
Former Officers Under Fire
- Jack Addis, 63: No fixed address.
- Jeremy Laxton, 62: From Lincolnshire.
Both men left the Met more than ten years ago. Addis is charged with conspiring to distribute or display indecent images of children.
Laxton faces a long list of serious allegations, including:
- Three counts of conspiracy to distribute or show indecent images of children
- Three counts of making indecent photos of a child
- Possession of prohibited images of a child
- Possession of extreme pornographic images
- Intentionally encouraging or assisting an offender (misconduct in public office)
Investigation Linked to Serving Met Chief Inspector
The alleged offences span from January 2018 to September 2021. Laxton was arrested in September 2021, Addis followed in November.
The charges came after a “lengthy and complex” probe into serving Met Chief Inspector Richard Watkinson, 49, of the West Area Command unit.
Watkinson was found dead in Buckinghamshire on the day he was due in court facing multiple child abuse-related charges – including conspiracy to distribute indecent images, making indecent photos, voyeurism, and misconduct in public office.
Death Under Investigation
His death is being treated as mysterious but not suspicious. An inquest has been opened and subsequently adjourned.
