Five former Metropolitan Police officers have been convicted following an investigation into messages sent on WhatsApp.
The officers, who retired between 2001 and 2015, appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court today, where they pleaded pleaded guilty to 19 offences under Section 127(1) (a) of the Communications Act 2003.
Peter Booth, 66, of Llandeilo, Carmarthenshire pleaded guilty to four counts of sending by public communication grossly offensive racist messages. He retired from the Met in April 2001.
Robert Lewis, 62, of Camberley, Surrey pleaded guilty to eight counts of sending by public communication grossly offensive racist messages. He retired from the Met in May 2015.
Anthony Elsom, 67, of Bournemouth, Dorset pleaded guilty to three counts of sending by public communication grossly offensive racist messages. He retired from the Met in May 2012.
Alan Hall, 65, of Stowmarket, Suffolk pleaded guilty to three counts of sending by public communication grossly offensive racist messages. He retired from the Met in June 2015.
Trevor Lewton, 65, of Swansea has been charged with one count of sending by public communication grossly offensive racist messages. He retired from the Met in August 2009.
Commander James Harman, who leads the Met’s Anti-Corruption and Abuse Command, said: “The racist and discriminatory content of these messages is absolutely appalling and, given the defendants once served as police officers, we recognise that this case may further damage confidence in policing. Colleagues across the Met will be disgusted to know that these men once served in the force and will be pleased to see the outcome today.
I hope this case also demonstrates our commitment to take all allegations of criminality and misconduct seriously, investigate those reports thoroughly and where we have evidence of discrimination and abuse to bring criminal charges against individuals wherever we can.”
+ A sixth man, Michael Chadwell, 62 (14.12.60) of Liss, Hampshire, appeared at the same court and pleaded not giulty to one count of sending by public communication grossly offensive racist messages.
