Met Cops Sacked Over Horrific WhatsApp Messages
Four former Metropolitan Police officers and one serving cop have been found guilty of sending vile, offensive messages in a 2019 WhatsApp group. The misconduct panel slammed them for breaching professional standards, citing discreditable conduct, disrespect, failure to report wrongdoing, and clear discrimination.
Thousands of Messages, Hundreds of Horrors
The panel revealed that over 6,000 messages were exchanged in the group, with more than 400 deemed shockingly offensive. Not one officer reported the abhorrent content. Commander Jon Savell blasted the messages as “disgusting” and “an abomination” that no decent person could tolerate.
“These officers should be ashamed. Their attitudes have no place in the Met,” said Commander Savell. “We apologise to those hurt by their disgraceful words. These officers have failed Londoners and the vast majority of decent officers. We’re committed to rooting out rogue cops and restoring trust.”
Shameful Racism, Sexism and Crime Mockery
The WhatsApp chat included vile racial abuse, sexist remarks about colleagues, mockery of crime victims, and disrespect towards diverse London communities. Despite this, only one officer dared to challenge a message in the entire chain.
James Berry, counsel for the Commissioner and Chief Constables, tore into the officers’ conduct during the hearing:
“These messages were a disgrace in 2019 and are a disgrace today. They bring deep shame to the police service. Repairing the damage to public trust demands these proceedings.”
Convictions, Dismissals and Lifetime Ban
Former PCs Joel Borders and Jonathon Cobban were convicted in September of sending grossly offensive messages under the Communications Act 2003. William Neville was acquitted. All three faced charges following an Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) investigation.
Serving PC Gary Bailey and the others were dismissed or would have been if still in post. They will now be added to the College of Policing’s Barred List, banning them from any police or emergency services roles in the UK.
The panel also heard that PC Matthew Forster (Civil Nuclear Constabulary) and former Norfolk PC Daniel Comfort committed gross misconduct and faced dismissal.
The Met vows to beef up anti-corruption efforts and professional standards to cleanse the force of rotten officers.
