Cop Spy Scandal: Lee Hargrave Avoids Jail for Secretly Filming Teen
Lee Hargrave, 49, from Egham, Surrey, set up a hidden camera to spy on a teenage victim aged just 14 to 15. He admitted voyeurism and making indecent images of a child. But Hargrave bizarrely denied any sexual attraction to children, offering a string of excuses.
Suspended Sentence Sparks Fury
In July, Hargrave was handed a 13-month prison sentence — but it was suspended for two years. That means no jail time unless he breaches conditions. The decision sparked outrage, with the Solicitor General branding the sentence “unduly lenient” and forcing a Court of Appeal review in September.
However, the judges dismissed the appeal, ruling the original sentence was fair. They said suspending it was right due to Hargrave’s “real prospect of rehabilitation.”
Stripped of Badge and On Register for Life
- Hargrave is on the Sex Offenders Register for life
- He must comply with a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order
- Resigned from the Metropolitan Police in August 2024
- A misconduct hearing confirmed he would have been fired without notice if he hadn’t quit
- Now barred from policing and placed on the National Barred List
Hargrave’s disgrace is complete, but many are stunned he dodged jail despite spying on a vulnerable teen.
