Ex-Met Cops Charged in Child Abuse Image Probe After Chief Inspector Found Dead
Two retired Metropolitan Police officers have been charged with possession of child sex abuse images. This comes amid an investigation linked to serving Chief Inspector Richard Watkinson, who was found dead before facing charges.
‘Sir Smashy’ Found Dead After Shocking Discovery
Richard Watkinson, nicknamed “Sir Smashy” after a Harry Enfield character, is believed to have taken his own life. Officers uncovered thousands of severe child pornography items, sex toys, and children’s underwear hidden behind a trap door in his home.
Watkinson was due to appear in court on the day he was found dead, facing serious charges related to an alleged online paedophile network and possession of indecent images of children.
Trusted Cop Turned Suspect
Once a popular senior officer, Watkinson was often called upon by Scotland Yard to speak on domestic violence and high-profile drug busts. “He was a popular governor, and his arrest shocked everyone,” a former colleague said.
However, behind closed doors, he was under tremendous mental strain while on bail. Colleagues feared he might be suicidal before the worst happened.
Investigation Widens After Suicide
Watkinson’s troubles began in July 2021 when he was first arrested for misconduct, sending obscene messages, and abusing police powers. Shortly after, he was charged with conspiracy to distribute derogatory images of children and voyeurism.
Police discovered his body at a Buckinghamshire property on January 12. The death is not being treated as suspicious but remains unexplained. “Our hearts go out to his family and friends,” a Thames Valley Police spokesperson said.
Crackdown on Rogue Officers Intensifies
The scandal echoes the infamous David Carrick case, which forced police forces nation-wide to re-check their officers against national databases. Home Secretary Suella Braverman has demanded stricter, legally binding vetting to root out corrupt officers.
Carrick, 48, faces life in prison after admitting to 49 offences, including 24 rapes, against 12 women over nearly two decades.
If you are affected by the issues raised in this report, please call the Samaritans free at 116 123.
