Met Police officer in court accused of sending sexual messages to girl, 15

A serving Metropolitan Police officer has appeared in court accused of sending sexual messages to a 15-year-old girl.

Suspended Pc Will Scott-Barrett, 33, was allegedly in contact with the youngster over the Snapchat and Discord social media apps between April 2020 and February this year.

Prosecutors say he sent messages including graphic sexual pictures and videos to the girl.

The officer was off-duty at the time and none of the alleged conduct is said to have been connected with his role.

Scott-Barrett, of Bromley, south-east London, appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Monday wearing a dark blue suit, black face mask and glasses.

His hands were visibly shaking in the dock as he spoke to confirm his name, date of birth and address.

He did not indicate a plea to a single charge of sexual communication with a child, which alleges he shared “photographs and chat of a sexual content” on or before February 3 last year.

Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring granted Scott-Barrett bail, on the condition he does not contact the complainant, ahead of his next appearance at Isleworth Crown Court on January 17.

The officer, who is based in the Met’s intelligence command, was charged in November after an investigation by the force’s online child sexual abuse and exploitation command.

The Met said Scott-Barrett was suspended from duty after the initial allegation was made in February and the Directorate of Professional Standards has been informed.