Six Officers Axeed Over Disgusting WhatsApp Racist Rant
Four former PCs and one serving officer have been slammed by a misconduct panel for sharing more than 400 offensive WhatsApp messages. The disgusting chats, exchanged in 2019, were full of racial slurs, mocking crime victims, and lewd comments about colleagues. None of the officers reported the abuse.
“Shameful” Language That Has No Place in the Met
Commander Jon Savell from the Met’s Directorate of Professional Standards blasted the messages as utterly unacceptable. He said: “Anyone with a shred of decency would struggle to read this disgusting language, let alone send it. These officers should be ashamed. These messages show attitudes that have no place in the Met.”
The panel found the officers breached standards on multiple fronts including discreditable conduct, disrespect, failing to challenge improper behaviour, and discrimination. The vile messages targeted various London communities and included racial abuse towards a colleague. Only one officer dared to challenge a message—out of thousands.
Criminal Convictions Add to the Fallout
Three of the officers—Joel Borders, Jonathon Cobban, and William Neville—faced criminal charges for sending grossly offensive messages under the Communications Act 2003. Borders and Cobban were convicted, while Neville was acquitted at Westminster Magistrates’ Court last September.
James Berry, counsel for the police chiefs, slammed the messages as “an abomination” that bring “deep shame on the police service.” He said the misconduct proceedings are vital to repairing public trust.
Rogue Cops Blacklisted and Booted
- Former PCs Joel Borders, Jonathon Cobban, William Neville, and serving PC Gary Bailey banned from police and related jobs
- PC Matthew Forster (Civil Nuclear Constabulary) dismissed without notice for similar misconduct
- Former PC Daniel Comfort (Norfolk Constabulary) would have been dismissed if still in post
The officers will be added to the Barred List, banning them from roles across policing and related services. The Met says it’s beefed up anti-corruption teams and urges the public to report “rogue officers.” Reform will take time, but the force vows to root out members who disgrace the badge.
This scandal exposes how some officers betrayed Londoners’ trust with vile behaviour behind closed WhatsApp groups. The Met must now rebuild its tarnished reputation and prove it’s serious about cleaning house.
