Met Officers Jailed for Grossly Offensive Messages
Two Met officers – one serving, one former – were sentenced today (Wednesday, 2 November) over vile messages sent on public communication networks. Both received 12 weeks behind bars after being found guilty of sending grossly offensive messages under Section 127 of the Communications Act 2003.
Commander Savell Slams ‘Disgusting’ Messages
Commander Jon Savell, from the Met’s Professionalism unit, blasted the officers involved. “I speak for all of the Met when I say I’m appalled at the disgusting messages,” he said. “I am deeply sorry these officers have let down the public and their Met colleagues with their vile language and behaviour.”
He added that the Met will work closely with the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) and Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) to root out and prosecute officers who break the law. “Our officers swear an oath to show respect to all. Those who sully the force with unacceptable attitudes and prejudices will be dealt with in the strongest terms.”
Details of Convicted Officers
- PC Jonathon Cobban, 35, West Area Command Unit, found guilty of three counts, sentenced to 12 weeks imprisonment. He was acquitted on two other counts.
- Former PC Joel Borders, 46, ex-West Area Command Unit, convicted on five counts, also sentenced to 12 weeks imprisonment.
Both officers have been bailed pending appeal. The case stems from messages sent in 2019 after an IOPC investigation.
Misconduct Proceedings and Force Reforms Underway
The Met will now push ahead with internal misconduct hearings for six officers, including the convicted pair and others who were cleared or not criminally charged. This group also includes officers from Norfolk Constabulary and the Civil Nuclear Constabulary.
These hearings will be conducted promptly under a ‘standard track gross misconduct’ process to uphold the highest standards. “As Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley has said, we’re working hard to improve standards and rebuild trust,” said Savell. The Met plans to recruit over 100 new officers into its Directorate of Professional Standards as part of this effort.
The Met thanked the IOPC and CPS for their roles in delivering justice. Meanwhile, PC William Neville, previously with the South West Command Unit, was found not guilty on two counts but will still face misconduct proceedings after resigning in October.
