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A serving Metropolitan Police officer has appeared in court after being charged with two counts of sexual assault by touching.
Inspector Michael Richards, currently attached to the Met’s Learning and Development unit, was formally charged on Sunday, 25 May. The charges relate to an incident on Wednesday, 17 September, when Insp Richards was arrested while off duty. The alleged offences involve two adult victims—one male and one female—and are said to have occurred on the day of his arrest.
Richards, who has been suspended from duty, appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 23 June. He was granted bail and is scheduled to appear next at Southwark Crown Court on Monday, 21 July.
The Metropolitan Police has confirmed that its Directorate of Professional Standards is aware of the case and is monitoring proceedings.
A spokesperson for the Met said:
“We take all allegations of this nature extremely seriously. Inspector Richards remains suspended while criminal proceedings are ongoing.”
The victims are being supported by specialist officers.
This case adds to ongoing scrutiny of police conduct and accountability in London. The Met has faced increasing pressure in recent years to rebuild public trust amid a number of high-profile misconduct cases.
Anyone with relevant information is urged to contact the Metropolitan Police or submit information via Crimestoppers anonymously at 0800 555 111.
