30 January 2024 07:00 Met officer to appear in court charged with sending offensive messages He is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, 31 January.

A serving officer is due to appear in court following an investigation by the Met’s anti-corruption detectives.

PC Ashley Cooper, who is a response officer in Southwark and Lambeth, was charged with two counts of sending grossly offensive messages.

He is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, 31 January.

The charges follow an investigation into allegations that offensive messages mocking a person’s disability had been shared on WhatsApp.

Commander James Harman, who leads the Anti-Corruption and Abuse Command, said: “I know many people will be concerned and disappointed to hear that an officer has been charged with a criminal offence.

“Legal proceedings are now under way and it would be inappropriate to comment further until that process concludes.”

PC Cooper was suspended from duty after the allegations came to light in October 2023.