Ex-Met Police Officer PC Matthew Olive Caught in Shocking Data Breach Scandal
A former Metropolitan Police officer, PC Matthew Olive, has pleaded guilty to five counts of misconduct in public office. He abused his police computer access to snoop and share sensitive info with the public — including a journalist.
How PC Olive Misused His Police Power
At Southwark Crown Court, Olive admitted his crimes happened between December 2022 and June 2023. The ex-cop ran unauthorised searches and leaked confidential police data without any legitimate reason.
The Full List of Charges
- Unauthorized Lookup of Journalist’s Phone: Between 29 Dec 2022 and 1 Jan 2023, Olive searched police databases for journalist Rebecca Tidy’s number (07540471245) on her request. Charge: Misconduct in public office.
- Sharing Confidential Police Briefings & Images: From 5 May to 22 June 2023, he accessed and leaked sensitive briefings and forensic images of suspects via WhatsApp to Rebecca Tidy. Charge: Illegal disclosure of police info.
- Unauthorised System Searches: On 21 June 2023, Olive searched police databases and shared images with Faye Louise Osmund-Smith. Charge: Unlawful data sharing.
- Accessing & Sharing Case Info: On 24 May 2023, he used the COPA system to get details on Jayden Chirewa and sent these to Rebecca Tidy. Charge: Misuse of police intel database.
- Offering More Illegal Searches: On 22 June 2023, Olive offered to conduct further unauthorised searches about Rebecca Tidy. Charge: Misuse of police records.
Heavy Penalties Loom for PC Olive
Each misconduct charge carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment—showing just how serious the law takes breaches of trust within the police.
Olive faces a misconduct hearing with the Metropolitan Police that could see him formally dismissed from the force.
Met Police Blast Former Officer’s Behaviour
Acting Detective Chief Superintendent Neil Smithson condemned Olive’s actions, saying:
“PC Olive deliberately misused his position of trust, violating police protocols to access sensitive information for personal reasons. His conduct undermines the very integrity of the Met Police and erodes public confidence in our officers.”
“We are committed to holding officers accountable for any breaches of trust, and this case demonstrates that there are serious consequences for such misconduct.”
What Happens Next?
PC Olive is due to be sentenced in the coming weeks. The court will decide how hard he’ll be punished for his serious offences.
The Metropolitan Police urges anyone worried about police data misuse to come forward, using confidential channels or contacting Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111.
