Two Former Met Police Officers Receive Suspended Sentences for Sexual Assault at London Casino
Former Met Police Officers Sentenced After Sexual Assault at London Casino
Two ex-members of the Metropolitan Police, Jerome Beasley and Luke Robinson, were recently sentenced following a sexual assault incident that took place at a well-known casino rooftop bar in central London. This disturbing event has reignited discussions about police conduct and the safety concerns in lively nightlife environments where drinking, crowds, and gambling intersect.
Details of the Assault Incident
The incident occurred in the early hours of April 22, 2024, when Beasley, aged 43, and Robinson, aged 40, both off duty at the time, repeatedly approached a woman at the casino. Despite her clear objections and requests to stop, the men touched her inappropriately multiple times. The casino’s surveillance cameras, which are rigorously maintained due to strict operational regulations, captured the assault clearly. Several casino visitors also witnessed parts of the incident.
Prosecutors emphasized that the officers acted deliberately, ignoring the victim’s efforts to fend them off. The repeated nature of the harassment, despite the presence of staff and other guests, was highlighted as especially troubling. The victim has since reported ongoing emotional distress and anxiety related to the incident, including panic attacks.
Legal Proceedings and Sentencing
Jerome Beasley was initially charged with four counts of sexual assault, while Luke Robinson faced three counts. Both men changed their pleas to guilty just before the trial commenced. Prior to the sentencing, they had been dismissed from the Metropolitan Police’s Central West Command Unit following internal investigations prompted by the charges.
During sentencing, Judge Mark Weekes imposed prison terms of 18 months for Beasley and 15 months for Robinson but suspended these sentences for two years. In addition to the suspended sentences, the judge ordered them to complete 250 hours of unpaid community service, participate in a 30-day rehabilitation program, adhere to a curfew for five months, and pay compensation of GBP 750 to the victim along with court costs. They were also issued five-year restraining orders to protect the victim.
Official Response and Wider Implications
Senior officials within the Metropolitan Police condemned the actions as unacceptable and a breach of the high standards expected of officers. They acknowledged the damaging impact such behavior has on public trust in law enforcement and reiterated their commitment to removing personnel who fail to uphold professional responsibilities.
This incident has also served as a stark reminder to venues like the Hippodrome Casino, known for its 24/7 gambling, live entertainment, and stringent security measures, that even well-monitored environments can still be vulnerable to misconduct. The cooperation from the casino’s management and the role of the surveillance footage were crucial in piecing together a detailed timeline for the court.
