PSNI chief reveals officer sacked over 'offensive messages' is fourth dismissal in recent months
The officer's dismissal followed an investigation by the Police Ombudsman.
The texts, 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 Ombudsman when the officer continued to send the material, despite having been asked to stop on two occasions.
Nikki Davis, director of investigations with the Police Ombudsman's Office, said it was 'sustained, consistent behaviour'.
'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,' she said.
'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 officers who received the messages and failed to report or challenge them were referred to PSNI and have been subject to management action in relation to 'potential breaches' of the PSNI's Code of Ethics.
News catch-up Thursday 31st July
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.'
A file was later sent to the Public Prosecution Service, which 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.
Mr Boutcher said the PSNI expects the 'highest standards of professionalism and integrity' from all of their officers.
'This matter was heard by myself in a Special Case Hearing and our robust actions show that we will not tolerate this damaging and unprofessional behaviour - there is no excuse.
'The messages repeatedly shared by this former constable were shocking, wholly inappropriate and discriminatory. The attitudes of sectarianism, racism, homophobia, anti-Semitism and misogyny within these messages have no place in policing.
He added: 'Police officers exercise significant powers, and it is vital that there is an accountability framework for officers. If the public is to have confidence that we will police without prejudice and fairly, it is essential that just as we, as the Police Service, pursue perpetrators in our communities, we are as committed to rooting out those that may be in our own ranks.'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
South Wales Guardian
an hour ago
- South Wales Guardian
Residents mystified by naked ‘gimp mask' night stalker
Locals in Lytham, on Lancashire's Fylde coast, say the shadowy visitor has left lace curtains twitching with the identity of the mystery streaker wearing a bondage hood the talk of the town. He was first spotted after being captured on a car dashcam on Westby Street, in the heart of the Victorian resort, at just before 1am on Friday July 18. Locals say the clip was then shared on the street's WhatsApp group and more footage from the night was revealed, which was posted on Facebook and has now gone viral. The clips show a young man, calmly striding down the street, naked but for his trainers and black mask. 'It's a gimp mask, I've watched the footage,' said one resident, who did not want to be named. 'I've no idea what he thinks he's doing,' he added. 'In the days after, we saw a young man, fully clothed, walking around the streets, looking up and around, seemingly checking for cameras. 'We think it's the same man.' The resident, who was stood alongside his wife, said he knew of no 'alternative lifestyle' establishments locally which may provide a clue to the mystery. Locals also said Lytham, unlike its close neighbour Blackpool, does not get stag and hen parties visiting the town. Lancashire Police said the incident took place on Westby Street, Cleveland Road and Bannister Street. A spokesman said: 'We are aware of a concerning video circulating on social media of a naked male wearing a face covering walking around Lytham in the early hours of the morning. 'This incident was not initially reported to police and has only been brought to our attention after it has been viewed on Facebook. 'Fylde Rural Task Force are currently conducting CCTV and house‑to‑house inquiries and would like to reassure you that we are taking this matter seriously.' Officers urged anyone with information or relevant CCTV to contact FyldeRTF@
Daily Record
3 hours ago
- Daily Record
Mum weeps in court after £10,000 school fund fraud forces disco cancellation
A primary school disco was cancelled and pupils missed out on events after a trusted PTA treasurer swindled thousands over five years — spending it on streaming subscriptions and games. A mum broke down in tears in court after admitting to stealing £10,000 from a primary school's fundraising committee—cash which was meant to pay for discos, school trips, and summer fairs. Nicola Kennerley, 49, secretly siphoned off thousands of pounds while serving as treasurer for the parent-teacher association (PTA) at Holy Family Catholic Primary School in Halewood, Merseyside, over a five-year period. The funds, raised by parents and volunteers for pupils' events and equipment, were instead used by Kennerley to pay for Amazon Prime, Xbox subscriptions, and everyday expenses. The fraud left the PTA unable to hold planned activities, including school discos, and denied pupils valuable experiences. Appearing at Liverpool Crown Court on Monday, Kennerley, of Fields End in Huyton, wept as she was sentenced to 14 months in prison, suspended for 18 months . She was also ordered to complete 150 hours of unpaid work and 15 days of rehabilitation activity, reports LiverpoolEcho. Kennerley's betrayal devastated her fellow PTA members, who were left to pick up the pieces after discovering the missing funds. One former co-chair, Heidi Green, said she felt 'overwhelmed, disappointed, betrayed, heartbroken and upset.' In a powerful statement read to the court, Ms Green said: 'I put my trust in Nicola as a friend. The real victims are the children of Holy Family Primary School. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. 'It makes me angrier the more I think about it. I don't think I'll ever understand why you did what you did.' Suspicion was first raised in April 2024, when Kennerley announced she was stepping down as treasurer and claimed there were 'no funds left' for the year. But the incoming treasurer believed around £1,800 should have remained. Kennerley, who worked as a mortgage advisor at Barclays, suggested closing the PTA's bank account and opening a new one—claiming difficulties changing signatories. She then repaid £1,720, money she admitted borrowing from her father. It wasn't until later in the year, when bank statements were finally handed over, that the full scale of the theft was revealed. During police interviews, Kennerley said she had been in an abusive relationship and turned to alcohol to cope. She claimed she had always intended to repay the money and had used some of it for essential expenses like petrol and groceries. Her defence solicitor, Andrew McInnes, said: 'She faces the court with understandable shame and trepidation. She has lost her good name, her job, and many friends. 'This was out of character. She has taken steps to address her alcohol issues and has secured work as a cleaner. Her primary concern now is her three children, who rely on her.' Kennerley, who has no previous convictions, admitted one count of fraud by abuse of position . Sentencing her, Recorder Nicholas Flanagan said the crime had 'a significant impact on the children,' adding: 'Outwardly, you were volunteering as a trustee, but behind the scenes, you were siphoning off money for your own use. This was a severe abuse of trust that took place over a number of years. 'You have shown some remorse, and there are signs of positive change. Given your caring responsibilities, previous good character, and the steps you have taken since, I am just persuaded that the sentence can be suspended.' Kennerley may also face a confiscation hearing under the Proceeds of Crime Act , scheduled for later this year.
Daily Record
7 hours ago
- Daily Record
Teen jailed over Bonfire Night riots that terrorised Edinburgh communities
A 17-year-old has been locked up for 18 months after launching fireworks at police, targeting a petrol station, and terrorising residents during large-scale riots in Edinburgh last Bonfire Night. A teenager who took part in large-scale public disorder across Edinburgh during bonfire night last has been jailed for 18 months. The 17-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was sentenced at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Monday, August 4, after pleading guilty to charges of mobbing and rioting, as well as culpable and reckless conduct. His crimes were linked to two separate incidents in the city in October and November last year. Chaos unfolded in Calder Road and Sighthill Court on November 5 when the teen joined a group who launched a sustained and violent attack on police officers, threw fireworks near a petrol station, and caused extensive damage to property. Buses were forced to withdraw from the area, and residents were left too frightened to leave their homes as the riot continued for more than two hours. CCTV footage showed the youth throwing fireworks and rocks at officers, setting fire to bins and street furniture, and aiming pyrotechnics at parked cars and members of the public. The attack resulted in thousands of pounds' worth of damage to a local car dealership, while a nearby fire station was also targeted. The teenager also admitted involvement in a separate incident on October 5 on Princes Street and South St Andrews Street, where around 50 young people were seen setting off fireworks at pedestrians, into the road, and at buildings. During the hour-long disturbance, he was observed handing fireworks to others and actively participating in the violence. Members of the public were left cowering to protect themselves. At one point, a firework exploded beneath a police vehicle. The youth had been remanded in custody since his arrest and has already served eight months in detention. Both offences were aggravated by the use of pyrotechnics against emergency workers and by the fact that the teen was on bail at the time. Chief Superintendent David Robertson, Divisional Commander for Edinburgh, said: : 'The scenes we witnessed in Calder Road, along with other areas of the city, last Bonfire Night were wholly unacceptable and resulted in a local car dealership having thousands of pounds worth of damage inflicted upon their vehicles, while our colleagues at the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service also had their station in the area targeted. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. 'This individual was an active participant in the disorder and damage that took place during this time, and he was subsequently arrested as a result of thorough inquiries conducted by local officers and CID colleagues. 'His prison sentence is a welcome outcome and should once again highlight the joint commitment of both Police Scotland and COPFS to ensure those responsible for these crimes are brought to justice for their dangerous and unacceptable actions." Neil Almond, interim Procurator Fiscal for Lothian and Borders, condemned the teenager's actions: 'In the incident on November 5, 2024, significant damage was caused to property, running into thousands of pounds. 'Setting off fireworks in the direction of the petrol station forecourt was an act so dangerous it could have caused petrol pumps to ignite, putting staff and members of the public at risk of serious injury or worse. 'Our message to young people who carry out this type of offending is that having a criminal record will seriously impact your life. 'They should fully understand that a conviction may affect their liberty and their ability to lead a normal, unrestricted life. A total of 61 people were reported by Police Scotland for incidents related to public disorder in the weeks around Bonfire Night last year, most of them from Edinburgh and Glasgow.
