Met Police Officer Convicted of Assault and False Imprisonment
PC Isaque Rodrigues-Leite, a Metropolitan Police officer from the Roads and Transport Policing Command (RTPC), has been found guilty of multiple charges including false imprisonment, assault, coercive behaviour, and criminal damage. The verdict came after a trial at Croydon Crown Court where Rodrigues-Leite was convicted on four counts of false imprisonment, two counts of assault by beating, one count of coercive and controlling behaviour, and one count of criminal damage.
Two-Year Campaign of Threats and Intimidation
The court heard how Rodrigues-Leite terrorised a woman he knew between 2019 and 2020 with threats and intimidation. Although he was cleared of two other false imprisonment charges and a charge of making threats to kill, the serious convictions stand. The victim showed huge bravery by reporting the officer to the police in September 2020, leading to his arrest and suspension.
Jury members returned a guilty verdict on November 10, with sentencing set for January 16, 2024.
Misconduct Hearing Scheduled and Met Promises Justice
The Metropolitan Police have announced a misconduct hearing will take place on December 18 to determine PC Rodrigues-Leite’s future in the force. Detective Superintendent Christina Jessah, who also works in the RTPC, condemned Rodrigues-Leite’s behaviour, stressing it seriously damages public trust.
“This kind of conduct completely undermines confidence in the police,” said Jessah. “We commend the victim’s courage in coming forward despite threats and disbelief. The Met will take all offences seriously, no matter who commits them.”
The Met’s Pledge to Support Victims and Rebuild Trust
This case is a stark reminder that no police officer is above the law. The Met is determined to hold all officers to the highest standards and is committed to supporting victims of domestic abuse.
Jessah added: “We want victims to come forward with confidence, knowing they will be taken seriously and supported at every step.”
The misconduct hearing will be crucial in reinforcing that abusive behaviour from within the force will never be tolerated.
