Two Metropolitan Police officers – one currently serving and one former – were sentenced on Wednesday, 2 November, for sending grossly offensive messages on public communication networks. Both officers received 12-week prison sentences after being found guilty under Section 127 of the Communications Act 2003.
Commander Jon Savell, from the Met’s Professionalism unit, condemned the messages and the behaviour of the officers involved. He stated, “I speak for all of the Met when I say I’m appalled at the disgusting messages. I am deeply sorry these officers have let down the public and their Met colleagues with their vile language and behaviour.”
Commander Savell emphasised the Met’s commitment to working closely with the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) and the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) to identify and prosecute officers who break the law. He added, “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.”
The convicted officers are PC Jonathon Cobban, 35, of the West Area Command Unit, who was found guilty of three counts and sentenced to 12 weeks imprisonment. He was acquitted on two other counts. Former PC Joel Borders, 46, also from the West Area Command Unit, was convicted on five counts and sentenced to 12 weeks imprisonment. Both officers have been bailed pending appeal.
The case relates to messages sent in 2019 and was investigated by the IOPC.
The Metropolitan Police will now proceed with internal misconduct hearings for six officers, including the two convicted officers and others who were either cleared or not criminally charged. This group also includes officers from Norfolk Constabulary and the Civil Nuclear Constabulary. The hearings will be conducted promptly under a ‘standard track gross misconduct’ process to ensure the highest standards are upheld.
Commander Savell said, “As Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley has said, we’re working hard to improve standards and rebuild trust.” The Met plans to recruit over 100 new officers into its Directorate of Professional Standards as part of this ongoing effort.
The Metropolitan Police thanked the IOPC and CPS for their roles in delivering justice in this case.
Separately, PC William Neville, formerly with the South West Command Unit, was found not guilty on two counts but will still face misconduct proceedings after resigning in October.
Originally published by UKNIP.
