Metropolitan Police Officer Convicted of Harassment
- PC Gary Chant, a Metropolitan Police officer, was convicted of harassing a woman while on duty.
- He was arrested on November 5 and suspended from duty following the incident.
- The harassment case involves a woman known to the officer.
A serving officer of the Metropolitan Police, PC Gary Chant, has been convicted of harassment after sending a barrage of unwanted messages to a woman while on duty. The incident, which led to his arrest on November 5, 2022, involved a significant number of messages directed at a woman known to him. Following his arrest, Chant was suspended from his duties within the Central West Command Unit. PC Chant appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on August 20, where he was found guilty of harassment without violence. The court has scheduled a sentencing hearing for October 1. The case has raised concerns about the conduct of police officers and their responsibilities while serving the public. Detective Chief Superintendent Christina Jessah, who oversees the Central West Command, emphasized the expectation of high standards of behavior from police officers. She condemned PC Chant's actions as wholly unacceptable and reiterated the Met's commitment to addressing crimes against women and girls. Jessah stated that predatory or abusive behavior from men will not be tolerated, regardless of their position within the police force. In light of the court's ruling, misconduct proceedings against PC Chant are set to follow, highlighting the Metropolitan Police's dedication to maintaining integrity and accountability among its officers. The case serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts to combat harassment and protect vulnerable individuals within the community.