Cop Trio to Face Court Over Shocking WhatsApp Messages
Three police officers are set to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on 16 March. The charges stem from disturbing messages linked to the infamous Wayne Couzens case—the man who murdered Sarah Everard.
Offences Date Back to 2019
The allegations involve sending grossly offensive messages on a public communications network between April and August 2019. The messages were shared in a WhatsApp group chat.
IOPC and CPS Crack Down on Police Misconduct
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) launched the investigation after a referral from the Metropolitan Police last April. By December, the probe wrapped up and evidence was passed to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).
“The CPS has now taken the decision to authorise charges against the officers,” the IOPC confirmed.
Rosemary Ainslie, head of the CPS special crime division, explained:
“Each of the three defendants has been charged with sending grossly offensive messages on a public communications network. The alleged offences took place on a WhatsApp group chat.”
“Our role isn’t to decide guilt but to assess if charges are appropriate. We remind the public not to publish anything that might jeopardise a fair trial.”
Met Police Respond
The Metropolitan Police acknowledged the charges:
“We are aware of charges brought against two serving Metropolitan Police officers and one former officer about sending grossly offensive messages on a public communications network.”
The case shines a harsh spotlight on police conduct amidst one of the UK’s most horrific murder investigations.
