Four Ex-Met Cops Axed Over Offensive WhatsApp Messages
Four former Metropolitan Police officers have been slammed for sharing more than 400 offensive messages in a 2019 WhatsApp group. The misconduct panel found PC Joel Borders, PC Jonathon Cobban, PC William Neville, and serving PC Gary Bailey guilty of disgraceful conduct, including racist abuse, mocking crime victims, and sexual comments.
Disgraceful Messages Spark Outrage
The panel revealed over 6,000 messages were exchanged in the group, with hundreds deemed shocking and offensive. Not a single officer reported the vile content.
Commander Jon Savell from the Met’s Directorate of Professional Standards condemned the messages:
“Anyone with a shred of decency would struggle to read this disgusting language, let alone send it. These officers should be ashamed. Their attitudes have no place in the Met.”
He vowed the Met is reforming, expanding its anti-corruption unit, urging public reports of rogue officers, and rebuilding trust.
Scathing Legal Blow for Officers
James Berry, counsel for the Commissioner, called the messages “an abomination” that bring “deep shame” on policing. He said the prosecution aimed to restore public confidence after the officers’ “disgraceful” behaviour.
- Officers sent and received discriminatory, offensive messages
- Failed to report or challenge the abuse
- Stayed active in the WhatsApp group despite knowing its content
The offenders will be barred from policing and related public services permanently.
Criminal Convictions for Two PCs
Following an Independent Office for Police Conduct probe, Borders and Cobban were convicted at Westminster Magistrates’ Court of sending grossly offensive messages under the Communications Act 2003. Neville was acquitted.
- Cobban, 35, convicted on three counts
- Borders, 46, convicted on five counts
Other Officers Also Caught Up in Scandal
The panel also heard misconduct cases involving PC Matthew Forster (Civil Nuclear Constabulary) and former PC Daniel Comfort (Norfolk Constabulary). Both were found guilty of gross misconduct. Forster was dismissed immediately, and Comfort would have been if still serving.
