Met Police chief inspector found dead at home was facing charges over child abuse images
Watkinson was first arrested in July 2021 when it is alleged that up to thousands of indecent images were allegedly discovered in a secret room at his home.
His arrest stunned his colleagues, as he was a popular figure and was nicknamed "Sir Smashy" after a Harry Enfield character by lower ranking officers on the Met’s West Area Basic Command Unit where he worked. He was originally held over allegations of misconduct in public office, sending obscene messages, corrupt exercise of police powers and data protection breaches.
It followed a joint investigation by the Met's professional standards unit and the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) and the Met’s professional standards unit.
When officers searched the suspect’s home, they are said to have found a secret trap-door which led to an area containing computer equipment.
It is alleged child sexual abuse images were found on the computers, and the material was judged to be category the two most serious levels.
Met Police chief inspector found dead at home was facing charges over child abuse images
ReplyDeleteWatkinson was first arrested in July 2021 when it is alleged that up to thousands of indecent images were allegedly discovered in a secret room at his home.
His arrest stunned his colleagues, as he was a popular figure and was nicknamed "Sir Smashy" after a Harry Enfield character by lower ranking officers on the Met’s West Area Basic Command Unit where he worked.
He was originally held over allegations of misconduct in public office, sending obscene messages, corrupt exercise of police powers and data protection breaches.
It followed a joint investigation by the Met's professional standards unit and the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) and the Met’s professional standards unit.
When officers searched the suspect’s home, they are said to have found a secret trap-door which led to an area containing computer equipment.
It is alleged child sexual abuse images were found on the computers, and the material was judged to be category the two most serious levels.
https://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/1722089/Met-police-chief-inspector-richard-watkinson-dead-child-abuse-latest