By Gabriel Princewill-
The handing of suspended sentences to six retired Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) officers have been for sending offensive racist and homophobic messages via WhatsApp is a significant move in the right direction.
The sentences, ranging from six to 14 weeks’ imprisonment, suspended for 12 months, were issued at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, marking a notable moment in holding law enforcement officials accountable for discriminatory conduct.
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Suspended sentences are custodial sentences where the offender does not have to go to prison provided that they commit no further offences and comply with any requirements imposed.
They are typically used only when the custodial sentence is no longer than two years. A suspended sentence is both a punishment and a deterrent.
Dozens of messages with content deemed to be offensive were shared by the racist group of cops during a two-year period, with references made to among others, including the Duchess of Sussex and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
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The circulated racist messages confirmed pre-existing notions by the British public that racism very much thrives in the British police force.
Prior to this incident, there had been several other examples of racist police officers bringing their force to disrepute.
Deplorable conduct of this kind has long raised questions about how prevalent racism is in various forces where many discriminatory officers will not be imprudent enough to expressly announce their prejudicial streaks.
Judge Ikram said the messages were “offensive to many good people in this country and not only people who might be directly offended”.
The group, who served between 2001 and 2015, faced charges following an investigation by officers from the MPS’s professional standards team.
The convictions come on the heels of heightened scrutiny on issues of racism within law enforcement and follow persistent advocacy by The Eye Of Media for the prosecution of officers explicitly involved in racist misconduct- something The Home Office eventually vowed to this publication back in April.
The CPS and Home Office have for too long played an inactive role in pushing for the prosecution of explicitly racist police officers, despite the spread of such abuses- one one occasion leading to a clash between our organisation and and imprudent staff at The Home Office press offices who were duly put in their place.
Commander James Harman, leading the MPS’s Anti-Corruption and Abuse Command, expressed the gravity of the situation, acknowledging the appalling nature of the racist and discriminatory content within the messages.
Harman recognized the potential damage this case could inflict on public confidence in policing and emphasized the Met’s commitment to addressing criminality and misconduct seriously.
The messages, which surfaced in October 2022 through the BBC’s Newsnight program, prompted swift action from the MPS. Harman highlighted the importance of addressing the underlying mindset and conduct, irrespective of the platform used for communication.
Michael Chadwell, 62, of Liss, Hampshire: Found guilty of sending a grossly offensive racist message. Sentenced to ten weeks’ imprisonment, suspended for 12 months, and 100 hours of unpaid work. Retired from the MPS in November 2015.
Peter Booth, 66, of Llandeilo, Carmarthenshire Pleaded guilty to four counts of sending grossly offensive racist messages. Sentenced to eight weeks’ imprisonment, suspended for 12 months, and 140 hours of unpaid work. Retired from the MPS in April 2001.
Robert Lewis, 62, of Camberley, Surrey: Pleaded guilty to eight counts of sending grossly offensive racist messages. Sentenced to 14 weeks’ imprisonment, suspended for 12 months, and 200 hours of unpaid work. Retired from the MPS in May 2015.
Anthony Elsom, 67, of Bournemouth, Dorset Pleaded guilty to three counts of sending grossly offensive racist messages. Sentenced to eight weeks’ imprisonment, suspended for 12 months, and 140 hours of unpaid work. Retired from the MPS in May 2012.
Alan Hall, 65, of Stowmarket, Suffolk: Pleaded guilty to three counts of sending grossly offensive racist messages. Sentenced to eight weeks’ imprisonment, suspended for 12 months, and 40 hours of unpaid work. Retired from the MPS in June 2015.
Trevor Lewton, 65, of Swansea: Pleaded guilty to one count of sending grossly offensive racist messages. Sentenced to six weeks’ imprisonment, suspended for 12 months, and 65 hours of unpaid work. Retired from the MPS in August 2009.
The officers served in various capacities throughout their careers, with a shared experience in the Diplomatic Protection Group, now known as the Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection Command.
The court’s decision sends a clear message that discriminatory conduct will not be tolerated among those who once held positions of authority within the police force.
It is hoped the police force would internally play its own tole in eradicating as many of the racist members blending in its midst.
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