NEWS DESK

A former Metropolitan Police Service officer today pleaded guilty at Southwark Crown Court to misconduct in public office.

Former Detective Sergeant John Gallagher, aged 52, was charged following the Metropolitan Police Service's investigation into the misuse of corporate credit cards. He admitted running up a bill of £9,622.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission managed the investigation which was conducted by the Metropolitan Police Directorate of Professional Standards.

IPCC Commissioner Deborah Glass said: “It is completely unacceptable for someone in a position of authority to be misusing tax payers money in this way and I hope today’s convictions send out a clear message to people who think they can get away with abusing the system in this way, that they will be discovered and action will be taken against them.”

Background

The Independent Police Complaints Commission is managing 25 referrals from the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) regarding officers' use of their American Express charge cards. The cards were issued for the officers while on official business.

Each referral is treated as a separate case and where appropriate, completed files will be sent to the Crown Prosecution Service for a decision on whether criminal proceedings should be pursued.

The IPCC inquiry is being managed by IPCC Senior Investigator Simon Cousins and overseen by Commissioner Deborah Glass. It is being carried out by the MPS Directorate of Professional Standards (DPS.)

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