Met officer pleads guilty to controlling and coercive behaviour

A Metropolitan Police officer has pleaded guilty to controlling and coercive behaviour while he was in training for the job.

Mathew Cooper, who is attached to the Central West Command Unit which covers Westminster, Kensington and Chelsea and Hammersmith and Fulham, yesterday pleaded guilty to one count of controlling and coercive behaviour without violence at Aldersgate House.

Cooper, who was in training at the time of the offences, was arrested at his home on December 9, 2020.

He was taken to a police station where he answered no comment to all the questions put to him. He was placed on restricted duties and charged by postal requisition on June 7, 2020.

Detective Chief Superintendent Owain Richards said: “I commend the strength and courage the victim showed in reporting this officer’s behaviour and in supporting the investigation.

“I would urge anyone who is the victim of domestic abuse, whether physical or psychological, to report their experiences to the police.

“We have specially-trained officers who will take their concerns seriously and support them throughout the judicial process.

“PC Cooper was off duty when these offences happened, but that does not change the seriousness of his actions.

“Serving as a Met officer is a privilege and we expect our officers to behave to the highest standards in their professional and private lives.

“When an officer fails to meet those standards, they can expect to be investigated and face the consequences of their actions as has happened in this case.”

A second count of controlling and coercive behaviour with violence will be left to ‘lie on file’ for Cooper, said the Met.

Following his admission of guilt at court, the Met said Cooper will now face a misconduct hearing at the earliest opportunity.

He will be sentenced at Snaresbrook Crown Court on August 31.