Former Met Police Officer Avoids Jail Time for Mocking Suspect in WhatsApp Group
A 42-year-old disgraced former Met Police officer, Richard Aston, recently found himself in hot water after sharing a photo of a mentally ill suspect in a WhatsApp group chat with four colleagues. The chat, humorously named ‘Not the Big Bloody Group’, quickly turned into a platform for mocking and making light of the vulnerable suspect’s struggles. Aston and his colleagues laughed about the suspect’s suicide attempts, joked about him needing a Taser, and showed a complete lack of empathy for the individual’s mental health.
The chat, started by PC King in September 2020, also included PC Murphy, PC Odongu, and PC Cunha. Aston’s insensitive remarks about the suspect’s distressing behavior, including using his blanket to strangle himself and smashing his head against the wall, were met with callous responses from his colleagues. Aston’s lack of professionalism and disregard for the suspect’s well-being were evident in his casual and mocking attitude towards the situation.
Despite the severity of his actions, Aston managed to avoid jail time when he appeared in Southwark Crown Court for sentencing. While legal authorities typically suggest immediate custody for police officers who engage in misconduct, the judge in Aston’s case opted to suspend his 16-month sentence for two years. The decision was based on the judge’s consideration of Aston’s family circumstances, particularly the health complications his wife, Serena, faced after giving birth to their child. Serena’s medical needs, coupled with the lack of a strong support network and financial stability, were deemed by the judge as reasons to spare Aston from immediate imprisonment.
Defense counsel Felix Keating emphasized the dire financial situation facing Aston’s family if he were to be incarcerated. With Serena unable to work due to her medical condition and the lack of suitable caregivers for their daughter, the family’s financial security hinged on Aston’s income. The potential loss of income would not only impact their ability to afford basic necessities but also put their home at risk of being sold to cover expenses.
Aston, who expressed regret for his actions and apologized to both the victim and his former colleagues at the Met Police, acknowledged the dishonorable end to his 18-year career in law enforcement. His misconduct, along with similar cases involving other Met Police officers, has tarnished the reputation of the force and eroded public confidence in law enforcement.
The judge’s decision to suspend Aston’s sentence and impose 150 hours of unpaid work, along with a requirement to pay £1,000 in court costs, serves as a warning to Aston to refrain from further misconduct. Any future offenses within the next two years could result in a prison term for Aston, who chose to resign from the force following the revelation of his actions.
While Aston’s case highlights the consequences of police officers engaging in inappropriate behavior, it also sheds light on the challenges faced by officers balancing personal and professional responsibilities. The judge’s balancing act between upholding accountability and considering the impact on Aston’s family underscores the complexity of sentencing in cases involving law enforcement officers.
The Met Police’s ongoing struggle with officer misconduct in group chats, as seen in previous cases involving racist, homophobic, and sexist language, underscores the need for stricter oversight and accountability within the force. Incidents like the mocking of a vulnerable suspect in a WhatsApp group chat not only reflect poorly on individual officers but also damage the reputation of the entire police service.
As the trial into the murder of 16-year-old Harry Pitman unfolds, the public’s attention is drawn to the importance of upholding integrity and professionalism within law enforcement. The case serves as a reminder of the gravity of police misconduct and the impact it can have on both individuals and communities.
In conclusion, Aston’s case highlights the delicate balance between accountability and compassion in the criminal justice system. While his actions were reprehensible and warranted consequences, the judge’s decision to spare him from immediate imprisonment underscores the nuanced considerations involved in sentencing. Moving forward, it is imperative for law enforcement agencies to address officer misconduct proactively and uphold the integrity of the profession.
