Two officers dismissed after sending "abhorrent" offensive messages

Two Basingstoke police constables who sent more than 800 offensive messages to each other on WhatsApp have today been dismissed without notice at an accelerated misconduct hearing.

PC Michael Spake and PC Adam Holloway exchanged 856 racist, sexist, misogynistic and homophobic messages in a seven-week period, July 11 and August 28, last year.

A hearing, held at Operational Headquarters, Mottisfont Court, in Winchester, today, was told the messages included those which were racist, misogynistic and homophobic.

There was also messages which made reference to plagiarism of their student dissertations and being derogatory about other members of staff, including line managers and colleagues.

The two officers were dismissed without notice and placed on the College of Policing barred list for five years.

Chief Constable Scott Chilton, who was the chair of the hearing, said: "The messages shared by PC Spake and PC Holloway are among the most abhorrent I have ever seen, and I was incensed when they were presented to me as part of this hearing.

"The way these officers discussed treating members of the public and colleagues defies belief and they now deservedly hold the shame of being dismissed from policing due to their own disgusting language and beliefs.

"As soon as these messages were identified, we have taken the necessary steps to remove both officers from the Constabulary at the earliest opportunity.

"However, I want to be clear, today's decision does not limit further courses of action for us. I expect a full and thorough investigation into any further matters, including an criminal conduct.

"Social media and messaging apps cannot be a place for officers with opinions like the ones we have heard today to hide.

"These officers do not reflect members of this force, who routinely, day in and day out, do all they can to show kindness, compassion and professionalism in keeping our communities safe.

"I know that the officers and staff of Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary will not just feel let down by PC Spake and PC Holloway, many will feel angry and upset on hearing the detail of the beliefs and views that these officers held, and will all want to join me in rooting out anyone who acts in this manner."

You can find details of any upcoming misconduct hearings here, and our misconduct hearing outcomes are posted here.