Media Blackout
We are used to seeing criminals mugshots in newspapers for low level crimes.
We are used to seeing mugshots for crimes like possession of drugs for example.
Why is it when a police officer is convicted of a crime, it is not publicised?
In this story we have no mugshot, no victim and no msm coverage.
Drunk and Violent
A serving Met officer has been found guilty of assault and a public order offence following an off-duty incident.
PC Stephen Maskell, 44, based on the North East Command Unit, appeared at Willesden Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, 17 June.
He was found guilty of assault by beating and using threatening, abusive, insulting words or behaviour likely to cause harassment, alarm and distress to another person.
Charges
The charges relate to an incident in the early hours of the morning of 5 July 2020 in Charlton Road, NW10.
A disturbance was heard in the street and when a concerned member of the public, the victim, went to investigate, he was challenged and detained by PC Maskell.
PC Maskell was off duty at the time, however he identified himself as a police officer and grabbed the victim.
He was shouting that he was detaining him for a search despite not having grounds to do so.
Maskell became aggressive and abusive to the victim and to another resident who came into the street to see what was happening.
Policeman Arrested By Police
Officers attended and found Maskell clearly heavily intoxicated. He was arrested and later charged in August 2020.
The Met’s Directorate of Professional Standards was made aware of the incident and Maskell was placed on restricted duties.
Misconduct proceedings will take place following the conclusion of criminal proceedings.
He will appear for sentencing before Willesden Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 19 July.
Statement
Superintendent Waheed Khan, North East Leadership and Support, said: “The high standards we expect from our officers apply equally when they are off duty.
“PC Maskell’s actions on this night were unacceptable. Misconduct proceedings will now take place following the conclusion of criminal proceedings.”
Another One
This is the second case of a met officer abusing power I have covered this month alone.
A police officer jailed for breaking an innocent black father’s leg in front of his two teenage sons has been kicked out of the force.
PC Charlie Harrison, 39, ‘racially profiled’ Carl Abrahams, 47, as he made his way home after attending a cemetery in east London on 31 December 2018.
Copper Jailed
A court heard that the officer blocked the victim’s path before kicking at his knee, knocking him to the ground and fracturing his shin.
He was jailed for two years and three months after being convicted of GBH at a trial in March, which he denied, and has now been sacked from the Met.
Harrison had been patrolling in an unmarked police car in Forest Gate with two other colleagues as part of the Violent Crime Task Force on the day of the incident.
They and another unmarked car full of officers had been briefed that morning to look for a number of black men who were wanted for violent crimes.
The Incident
The family walked past the officer who was blocking their path, while Mr Abrahams had his hands in his pockets.
Without saying a word, the officer kicked at Mr Abraham’s knee, knocking him to the ground and fracturing his upper shin, a court heard.
The other officers then jumped out of their cars and threatened to arrest a bystander who confronted the officers, it was said.
When interviewed Harrison first claimed he was looking for “drugs and guns”.
During his trial the officer changed his story and said the family “noticed” his car which was “suspicious”.
But he eventually conceded that he had no grounds to carry out a stop and search, as none of the family group had acted suspiciously.
Gross Misconduct
Harrison has now been dismissed without notice from the Met Police for breaching standards of professional behaviour in relation to discreditable conduct and use of force following a misconduct hearing.
Commander Paul Betts said: “This is a very serious matter with PC Harrison jailed following his conviction for GBH.
“A misconduct hearing has now been held and PC Harrison’s actions found to have fallen well below the standard we expect of our police officers.
This seems like a all too similar case of power going to their heads.
Does the role of a police officer attract violent characters in need of a authority?