An online fundraiser has emerged in support of two Metropolitan Police officers, PC Jonathan Clapham and PC Sam Franks, who were recently dismissed over their involvement in the stop and search of Olympic athletes Ricardo dos Santos and Bianca Williams. The disciplinary hearing found the officers guilty of cross misconduct for fabricating claims of smelling cannabis during the incident.
The JustGiving page, created yesterday under the name “UK,” aimed to financially assist the officers during what was described as a “cost of living crisis.” Despite setting a modest £2,000 target, the fundraiser has garnered £19,470 in donations.
The statement on the fundraising page highlighted the officers’ potential struggles with mortgage payments, food bills, and the general cost of living, emphasising the challenging economic climate. Donations, including contributions from retired officers, poured in, reflecting a diverse range of supporters.
The controversial stop and search occurred on July 4, 2020, when dos Santos and Williams, both Team GB athletes, were pulled over with their three-month-old baby in Maida Vale, west London. The police disciplinary panel concluded that the officers’ claims of smelling marijuana were fabricated, leading to their dismissal for gross misconduct.
While PC Clapham and PC Franks faced the consequences, three other officers involved in the incident were cleared of any wrongdoing.
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