Top Met cop’s sex offender case dropped over trauma fears
Ex-Met officer escapes prosecution amid mental health concerns
Novlett Robyn Williams, a former senior Metropolitan Police officer, has dodged trial after being slammed with trauma from the legal battle. The 59-year-old faced charges for repeatedly failing to update her sex offender status, linked to a previous conviction for possessing a child abuse video.
Prosecution pulls plug on case at Old Bailey
On the day her trial was due to start at the Old Bailey, prosecutor Richard Wright KC shocked the courtroom by announcing the case would not continue. A fresh psychiatric report revealed the intense toll the proceeding had taken on Williams’ mental health. Wright said, “After careful consideration, the prosecution has concluded that in light of the mental health report, it is no longer in the public interest to pursue the prosecution.” He urged the court to let the charges lie on file.
Defense highlights devastating personal impact
Williams’ barrister Rajiv Menon KC told the court the ordeal had already wrecked her career and wellbeing. “She has faced severe repercussions, including stepping down from a distinguished career in law enforcement,” Menon said. Williams, praised for her work during the Grenfell Tower disaster, recently quit the Met Police “with immediate effect.”
Judge clears her name with sympathy
Judge Richard Marks KC expressed sympathy for Williams after reviewing the mental health report. Although he declined to formally acquit her, he stressed, “As far as I am concerned, she leaves the court with no stain on her character.”
