A former Met Police sergeant who coaxed a vulnerable woman into a sexual relationship whilst on duty has been jailed. Jonathan Peters persuaded his victim to begin the ten-month relationship in 2021 after attending her home as part of an investigation.
The 37-year-old, who was previously attached to the South East Command Unit, was also caught contacting her at work without policing purpose. He admitted misconduct in the public office following a mandatory investigation by the Independent Office for Police Standards (IOPC) in 2022.
Investigators then passed a file of evidence to the Crown Prosecution Service six months later, where it was decided the shamed sergeant would be charged with the offence. Peters has since been handed an eight-month prison stretch following a hearing at Southwark Crown Court, according to a statement by the IOPC.
He was chucked out the Metropolitan Police in April when an accelerated misconduct hearing concluded his criminal conviction and conduct was discreditable. The force has also placed him on the College of Policing barred list, banning Peters from working for the police, IOPC or His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services.
IOPC director Amanda Rowe said: “Police officers are expected to maintain high levels of professionalism and integrity, particularly when dealing with members of the public who are often in a vulnerable position, given they are dealing directly with the police.
“Jonathan Peters abused his position as a police officer for a sexual purpose, a form of corruption, and he has now paid the price with a criminal conviction, the loss of his career and a period of imprisonment.
“This sends a strong message to others in policing that this type of behaviour will be robustly investigated, and they will have to live with the serious consequences of their actions.”
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