A Metropolitan Police officer has been accused of illegally accessing police databases to pass sensitive information to a journalist, a court has heard.

Matthew Olive, 26, faces five counts of misconduct in a public office, relating to alleged offenses committed between 29 December 2022 and 22 June 2023. The journalist involved has been identified as Rebecca Tidy.

Court Proceedings

Olive was scheduled to enter pleas at Southwark Crown Court today (Tuesday), but the hearing was adjourned. Prosecutor Dickon Reid told the court:
“The defendant was a serving Metropolitan Police officer charged with five counts of misconduct in a public office.

Allegations

The charges stem from claims that Olive, while serving as a police officer, unlawfully accessed confidential police databases and systems. It is alleged that he shared the information with Tidy, breaching professional and legal obligations.

Legal Context

The misconduct charges carry serious implications, as accessing and sharing police information without authorization undermines public trust and the integrity of law enforcement. Misconduct in a public office is punishable by up to life imprisonment, depending on the severity of the offense.

Next Steps

A new date for the hearing is expected to be set. Both Olive and Tidy have not yet commented publicly on the allegations.

Police Statement

The Metropolitan Police has not released a formal statement on the matter but is expected to address the situation as proceedings continue. The case highlights concerns over data protection and the misuse of police resources