Former PC Darren Hourigan, aged 51 and previously attached to the South Area Command Unit of the Metropolitan Police, has been sentenced to a 10-month imprisonment, suspended for 18 months, after pleading guilty to three counts of possessing indecent images of children. The sentencing took place at Kingston Crown Court on Friday, 7 July. 

Hourigan previously admitted to the charges on 26 April 2023, following an investigation by the Met’s Online Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse team, with support from the Directorate of Professional Standards, which led to his arrest in March 2020. 

Chief Superintendent Andy Brittain emphasized the Met’s commitment to decisive action against unfit staff, stating:

”We have made it clear that the Met will take action against any of its staff who are not fit to remain within the organization. We are committed to providing Londoners with a Met that they deserve; one that upholds the law on the streets of the capital and amongst its own ranks. The vast majority of officers are striving to take this forward – those who won’t are not worthy to remain.” 

Following proven allegations of gross misconduct, Hourigan resigned from the Metropolitan Police Service on 26 April 2023. He will be added to the Barred List, disqualifying him from employment with related policing bodies. 

The case underscores the Metropolitan Police’s unwavering dedication to maintaining high conduct standards and ensuring accountability for any officer breaching these principles.