JustGiving Page Rakes in £100k for Dismissed Police Officers in Bianca Williams Stop
A JustGiving page has smashed through £100,000 in just two days to back two Met cops sacked over the controversial stop and search of Team GB star Bianca Williams and her partner Ricardo Dos Santos.
Olympians Handcuffed Over Cannabis Smell Claim
The drama unfolded on July 4, 2020, when PCs Jonathan Clapham and Sam Franks stopped, cuffed, and searched Portuguese Olympian Bianca Williams, 28, alongside her partner, world champ Ricardo Dos Santos, 29. Officers claimed to smell cannabis in the car, but accusations soon flew that some lied about the scent. While three other officers escaped punishment, Clapham and Franks were booted for gross misconduct.
Fundraiser Blows Past Target Amid Cost of Living Worries
The JustGiving page, launched one evening with a humble £2,000 goal, quickly surged past £50,000 in just 14 hours. By 10am today, it had raised a staggering £102,000. The campaign urges support for the officers and their families struggling with mortgage payments, rising bills, and everyday costs.
Thousands have chipped in, including retired officers. One anonymous donor highlighted the tough ride current cops face, dealing with constant criticism even when they go the extra mile.
Pain and Apologies Amid Accusations of Racism
Ricardo Dos Santos recently accused the Met Police of racial profiling, arguing the stop was unjustified and motivated by skin colour. Speaking on Good Morning Britain, Dos Santos said he’s never touched drugs or alcohol and branded the cannabis smell claim a “lie to cover their tracks”.
Though Clapham and Franks were sacked, the misconduct panel ruled it unproven they breached equality or diversity standards. The Met Police have apologised to Williams and Dos Santos for the distress caused.
Visibly upset, Bianca Williams admitted during an interview that she’s mulled over quitting the UK, fearing for her and her son’s safety. She also slammed the drawn-out misconduct proceedings, which dragged on for three years.
Support Keeps Pouring In
The fundraiser remains open, with many rallying behind the dismissed officers while others stress the need for police transparency and accountability.
