Legal News

The investigation into the “plebgate” row involving Downing Street police officers and MP Andrew Mitchell has revealed that some police officers exchanged pornographic images on their mobile phones – but will not face criminal charges over the images.

The images have been described as being of an “extremely sexual nature” – but none of them involved images of children.

Scotland Yard has confirmed that three officers were arrested on suspicion of swapping indecent images, but will not face charges. They continue to face a police internal investigation, however. The Mail online reports that the three officers belong to the Metropolitan Police's SO6 Diplomatic Protection Group, which is the same squad involved in the plebgate row.

The officers were arrested on 19 December and interviewed at a London police station. It is also reported that their homes were searched. Every officer in the Diplomatic Protection Group was also questioned regarding images found on the officers’ mobile phones, which were subjected to forensic analysis as part of the plebgate police inquiry.

So far the investigation into plebgate – called Operation Alice – has cost £250,000.

Andrew Mitchell has consistently denied the allegations made against him.

Last week one police officer was jailed for six months after it was found he had lied about claims he had witnessed the incident.

The false testimony of Keith Wallace, 53, helped lose Mr Mitchell his job as Tory Chief Whip after the plebgate scandal broke. Mr Mitchell has always denied he called officers guarding Downing Street “plebs” after they refused to allow him to wheel his bicycle through the front gates of Downing Street.

Mr Mitchell has received an apology from London’s Commissioner of Police Sir Bernard Hogan- Howe – who has also apologised to the public over the incident.

“Where officers break the law they must expect to be held to account and answer for what they have done,” he said.

A fourth officer may yet be charged over the distribution of pornographic images between the members of the Metropolitan Police's SO6 Diplomatic Protection Group, however. The Crown Prosecution Service is currently reviewing the case and any evidence which might lead to prosecution.

Out of the four officers involved in plebgate, one was immediately suspended and the remaining three were placed on restricted duties while the investigation was ongoing.

Officers in the Diplomatic Protection Group are involved in protecting government figures and visiting dignitaries, as well as policing high security and sensitive sites such as Downing Street.

Duncan Lewis Criminal Lawyers

Duncan Lewis is a leading firm of criminal lawyers and can advise on charges involving sexual offences such as making or downloading indecent images, as well as serious sexual crimes such as rape, domestic violence and child sexual abuse.

For expert advice on criminal law and representation at any stage of a charge, contact Duncan Lewis criminal lawyers on 020 7923 4020 – or in urgent cases call the Duncan Lewis Emergency Hotline on 020 7275 2036, or the out-of-office hours Duncan Lewis crime team number 07920 077057.