Lee Hargrave, 49, from Egham, Surrey, set up a secret camera to spy on a victim aged just 14 to 15. He admitted to voyeurism and creating indecent images of a child. Yet, Hargrave denied any sexual attraction to children, spinning a string of excuses.
Suspended Sentence Sparks Outrage
In July, Hargrave was handed a 13-month prison sentence — but it was suspended for two years. That means he won’t go behind bars unless he breaks his sentence conditions. Furious, the Solicitor General called the sentence “unduly lenient” and referred it to the Court of Appeal in September.
However, appeal judges dismissed the complaint, saying the original sentencing was proper and that suspending the sentence was justified given Hargrave’s “real prospect of rehabilitation.”
Life on Register and Police Barred List
- Hargrave remains on the Sex Offenders Register for life
- He must follow a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order
- Resigned from the Metropolitan Police in August 2024
- Misconduct hearing confirmed dismissal without notice if he hadn’t quit
- Now barred from policing and placed on the Barred List
Hargrave’s fall from grace is complete, but many remain shocked he escaped jail despite spying on a teenage victim.
