Ex-police officers accused of sending grossly offensive communications following investigation
Six former Metropolitan police officers – including one who went on to be employed by the Home Office – have been charged with sending grossly offensive and racist messages in a WhatsApp group.
The six have been charged with offences under the Communications Act 2003 and will appear at Westminster magistrates court on Thursday 7 September. The charges follow a BBC News report in October 2022, when one of the six was working for the Home Office.
Peter Booth, 66, who retired from the Met in April 2001.
Robert Lewis, 62, who retired from the Met in May 2015.
Anthony Elsom, 67, who retired from the Met in May 2012.
Alan Hall, 65, who retired from the Met in June 2015.
Michael Chadwell, 62, who retired from the Met in November 2015.
Trevor Lewton, 65, of who retired from the Met in August 2009.