A SENIOR Metropolitan Police officer has been sentenced to complete 200 hours of unpaid work after she was found guilty of possessing an indecent image of a child.
Novlett Williams was sentenced today following last week’s guilty verdict at the Old Bailey.
The 54-year-old, who has worked in the police service for 36 years, was sent the video on WhatsApp by her sister Jennifer Hodge in February last year.
Hodge forwarded the clip to her 17 WhatsApp contacts after she received it from her partner, Dido Massivi.
Hodge, 56, was sentenced to complete 100 hours of unpaid work having been convicted of distributing an indecent image of a child.
Massivi was found guilty of the same offence, as well as distributing an indecent image of a child, and possession of extreme pornography after further material was discovered on his phone.
The 61-year-old was sentenced to 18 months in prison suspended for two years and ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid work.
Both Massivi, a bus driver of 20 years, and Hodge, a charity worker for 17, lost their jobs. All three will be listed on the sex offenders’ register.
Williams, a senior officer and recipient of the Queen’s policing medal for distinguished service, was found not guilty of corrupt or improper exercise of police powers in failing to report the distribution of the image.
Jurors believed Williams’ claim that she did not view the footage but disagreed with her that she did not know the clip was on her phone.
Deputy assistant commissioner Matthew Horne said: “The prosecution called this a ‘sad case’ and referred to the ‘serious errors of judgement’ made by those involved. The court heard that Supt Williams has led a distinguished career in policing and previously been commended for her professionalism.
“The Independent Office for Police Conduct is carrying out an independent misconduct investigation into the actions of Supt Williams and we await the outcome.”
Williams has been placed on restricted duties throughout the investigation and trial.
The Met said that this disciplinary action will be reviewed now that criminal proceedings are complete.
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I feel this could have been dealt with better. Looks like someone was out for Williams. She didn’t open the post. I understand the seriousness of it. But police work is not easy.!bit to put her and the other two on the sex offender register that So hash. Really
Feel sorry for Williams. All though years of hard work. All gone. She should not lose her job.the others have so again she will be the skate goat. Wonder if it would have been different had she been ??