Cop sacked for sending ‘sectarian, racist, homophobic and anti-Semitic' messages
Eight police officers who received the messages and failed to report or challenge them were referred to PSNI in relation to potential breaches of the PSNI code of ethics. Stock image
A police officer has been dismissed for sending 'highly inappropriate and offensive' messages after a person who received them complained to the Police Ombudsman.
The messages, sent via WhatsApp over a number of months, including when the officer was on duty, contained material that was sectarian, racist, homophobic, anti-Semitic, misogynistic and sexualised.
The complainant contacted the Police Ombudsman when the officer continued to send the material, despite having been asked to stop on two occasions.
'Digital analysis of the police officer's phone showed that he had sent multiple images and videos, which were highly inappropriate and offensive, to the complainant, other members of the public and other police officers,' said Nikki Davis, director of investigations with the Police Ombudsman's Office.
'This was not a one-off, isolated incident, which could potentially be attributed to a lapse in judgement. It was sustained, consistent behaviour, exacerbated by the police officer's view, when interviewed by our investigators, that he did not consider the material to be offensive or his actions to be in breach of the PSNI code of ethics.'
Eight police officers who received the messages and failed to report or challenge them were referred to PSNI in relation to potential breaches of the code of ethics.
The Police Ombudsman's Office also found some of the material was an example of 'online gender-based hate speech'.
'When this kind of messaging specifically targets women and combines sexual, racist and sectarian references, it moves into the realm of online gender-based hate speech,' said Mrs Davis.
'For a police officer to display these attitudes and behaviours towards women is unacceptable, and specifically undermines the PSNI's commitment to ending violence against women and girls.
'However, this case demonstrates that allegations of misconduct will be robustly investigated and that officers will be held to account, all of which contributes positively to public confidence in policing.'
Following the conclusion of the Police Ombudsman investigation, a file was submitted to the PPS in relation to the potential offences of misconduct in public office and sending grossly offensive messages contrary to the Communications Act (2003).
The PPS directed no prosecution.
A misconduct file was then submitted to the PSNI professional standards department. The Chief Constable held a special hearing, after which the officer was dismissed.
He was found to have breached a number of articles of the PSNI code of ethics, including those relating to:
Professional duty where 'whether on or off duty, police officers shall not behave in a way that is likely to bring discredit upon the police service';
Equality where 'police officers shall act with fairness, self-control, tolerance and impartiality when carrying out their duties. They shall use appropriate language and behaviour in their dealings with members of the public, groups from within the public and their colleagues. They shall give equal respect to all individuals and their traditions, beliefs and lifestyles provided that such are compatible with the rule of law';
Integrity where 'police officers shall act with integrity towards members of the public and their colleagues so that confidence in the police service is secured and maintained. They shall avoid all forms of behaviour that may reasonably be perceived to be abuse, harassment, bullying or victimisation'.
Eight police officers who received the messages and failed to report or challenge them were referred to PSNI in relation to potential breaches of the PSNI code of ethics. Stock image
News in 90 Seconds - Thursday, July 31
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Sunday World
6 hours ago
- Sunday World
Object at centre of Co Derry security alert ‘may have been viable explosive device'
The incident occurred in the Golf Terrace area of Magherafelt after the discovery of a suspicious object on Saturday at around 7.20pm A security alert in Co Derry has ended after police carried out a 'controlled explosion' of a possible viable device. The incident occurred in the Golf Terrace area of Magherafelt after the discovery of a suspicious object on Saturday at around 7.20pm. Some homes were initially evacuated as a safety precaution, with residents allowed to return earlier today. 'Police received a report of a suspicious object outside a residential property at around 7.20pm on Saturday, 2nd August,' said PSNI Detective Sergeant Reid. 'Officers attended the scene and a safety operation was put in place. The road was closed to motorists and a number of local residents had to be evacuated from their homes overnight. 'Ammunition Technical Officers determined that the object may have been a viable explosive device and carried out a controlled explosion, before residents were able to return to their homes on Sunday morning.' Detective Sergeant Reid added: 'This was an extremely distressing experience for residents, who had to deal with the fear of this device in their community alongside the discomfort and inconvenience of being put out of their homes. 'The device has been taken away for further examination and detectives are keen to establish the circumstances surrounding this report. "Our enquiries are ongoing and we appeal to anyone with any information to contact us on 101, quoting reference number 1410 02/08/25.' The alert has since ended News in 90 Seconds - Sunday, August 3rd
Irish Daily Mirror
10 hours ago
- Irish Daily Mirror
"A deeply disturbing incident" - Person killed in suspected arson attack on car
Police in Northern Ireland have launched an investigation into a sudden death linked to an arson attack on a car in Co Tyrone. The PSNI received a report from members of the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) at 2.05pm on Saturday afternoon that a silver Mitsubishi Lancer GS2 was on fire in the Rylagh Road area of Omagh. "As fire officers extinguished the blaze they discovered that, tragically, a person had died as a result of the fire," PSNI Detective Inspector Keon said in a statement. 'We are treating this fire as arson, and our enquiries as to how the person came to be beside the vehicle are ongoing. " Detectives in Omagh are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident and have issued an appeal to anyone who may have witnessed the incident to contact them. 'We are treating this fire as arson, and our enquiries as to how the person came to be beside the vehicle are ongoing," Detective Inspector Keon added. The Irish Mirror's Crime Writers Michael O'Toole and Paul Healy are writing a new weekly newsletter called Crime Ireland. Click here to sign up and get it delivered to your inbox every week 'We would appeal to anyone who may have been in the area between midday and 2.15pm yesterday, who may have noticed anything suspicious, to contact us. We would be particularly keen to hear from anyone who had dashcam or other footage and would also like to hear from anyone who may have noticed this particular vehicle. 'The number to call is 101, quoting reference 928 02/08/25. 'You can also report online at "Alternatively, information can be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at SDLP West Tyrone MLA Daniel McCrossan expressed his deep shock and sympathy following the tragic death: 'This is a deeply disturbing incident that has shocked the local community. My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of the person who has so tragically lost their life.' He added: 'It is heartbreaking that someone has died in such harrowing circumstances. People in the area are understandably anxious and looking for answers. It is critical that anyone with information – no matter how small – reports it to the PSNI. The victim's family deserves truth and justice. I will be following developments closely and supporting efforts to ensure a full investigation.' For more of the latest breaking news from the Irish Mirror check out our homepage by clicking here.
Sunday World
10 hours ago
- Sunday World
Cops probe circumstances surrounding body found in burning car after Co Tyrone arson attack
A body was discovered after the blaze was extinguished in the Rylagh Road area of Omagh Emergency services at the scene on The Rylagh Road outside Omagh, Co. Tyrone. Photo: Jonathan Porter/PressEye An MLA has said that a Co Tyrone community has been left in shock after a person died following a 'disturbing incident" linked to an arson attack on a car. Police are investigating the sudden death with occurred in Omagh yesterday. The person has not yet been named and the PSNI are working to discover how the deceased came to be beside the burning car. Triple murderer Rutledge tried to strangle wife week before he shot her and children dead The unlikely slogan Sinn Féin might soon be using: Keep Northern Ireland SDLP MLA Daniel McCrossan said: 'This is a deeply disturbing incident that has shocked the local community. My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of the person who has so tragically lost their life.' The West Tyrone MLA added: 'It is heartbreaking that someone has died in such harrowing circumstances. People in the area are understandably anxious and looking for answers. 'It is critical that anyone with information – no matter how small – reports it to the PSNI. "The victim's family deserves truth and justice. I will be following developments closely and supporting efforts to ensure a full investigation.' Mr McCrossan commended the swift response of emergency services and reiterated the need for calm and cooperation as the investigation continues. Detective Inspector Keon said: 'Just before 2.05pm, we received a report from our colleagues in Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service that a vehicle – a silver Mitsubishi Lancer GS2 - was on fire in the Rylagh Road area of the town. 'As fire officers extinguished the blaze they discovered that, tragically, a person had died as a result of the fire. 'We are treating this fire as arson, and our enquiries as to how the person came to be beside the vehicle are ongoing. 'We would appeal to anyone who may have been in the area between midday and 2.15pm yesterday, who may have noticed anything suspicious, to contact us. 'We would be particularly keen to hear from anyone who had dashcam or other footage and would also like to hear from anyone who may have noticed this particular vehicle.' Emergency services at the scene on The Rylagh Road outside Omagh, Co. Tyrone. Photo: Jonathan Porter/PressEye News in 90 Seconds - Sunday, August 3rd
