The chairman of the Metropolitan Police’s Black Police Association is facing allegations of gross misconduct after reportedly engaging in the sharing of racist comments and inappropriate jokes with a colleague in a WhatsApp group. Inspector Charles Ehikioya, 58, is accused of exchanging over 7,000 messages with Carlo Francisco, a former Police Constable, between 2017 and 2020.
During a recent misconduct hearing, the Met Police tribunal heard disturbing details of the exchanges between the two officers. Among the messages shared was a “clearly racist” video mocking a Korean woman, as well as sexual comments about a girl with Down’s syndrome. Additionally, they allegedly made jokes related to sensitive historical events, including the late Duke of Edinburgh’s car accident near the Sandringham Estate in 2019 and a reference to Princess Diana’s tragic death in 1997.
Inspector Ehikioya appeared before a Metropolitan Police misconduct hearing on Monday. The panel was informed that he also allegedly sent a video featuring a child with a naked bottom. These exchanges came to light when a female police community support officer raised concerns about PC Francisco in December 2020, leading to the seizure of his phone. PC Francisco was subsequently dismissed from the force in July 2022 for a separate matter involving discreditable conduct.
Representing the Met, James Berry highlighted the troubling nature of the messages exchanged between the two officers. He stated that a significant portion of the communication involved adult pornography, though not forming part of the allegations. The messages were described as sexist, misogynistic, racist, and containing extreme violence, such as depictions of individuals being shot in the head.
The misconduct panel was made aware of Inspector Ehikioya’s failure to report PC Francisco’s inappropriate behavior and his own involvement in sending similar messages. Berry emphasized that the messages breached professional standards and raised concerns about the officers’ ability to impartially fulfill their duties, particularly regarding matters involving women.
Despite sending a message to PC Francisco in April 2019 advising him to refrain from engaging in such behavior, Ehikioya allegedly continued to participate in the inappropriate exchanges. The inspector denies ever sending or reading any of the messages, attributing their existence to being fabricated with a racist motive.
The ongoing hearing, scheduled to last four days, aims to address the allegations of misconduct and determine the appropriate actions to be taken in response to the officers’ conduct. As the proceedings unfold, the public remains vigilant about ensuring accountability and upholding the integrity of the Metropolitan Police.
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