MPS officer pleads guilty to coercive and controlling behaviour

Police Constable Mathew Cooper, who is attached to the Central West Command Unit, pleaded guilty to one count of controlling and coercive behaviour without violence at Aldersgate House on Monday, 20 June.
A second count of controlling and coercive behaviour with violence will be left to lie on file.

He will be sentenced at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Wednesday, August 31.

PC Cooper, who was in training at the time of the offences, was initially arrested at his home address on 9 December 2020. He was taken to a police station where he answered no comment to all the questions put to him. He was placed on restricted duties and was subsequently charged by postal requisition in June 2020.

Detective Chief Superintendent Owain Richards, who is in charge of policing for the Central West area, said: “I commend the strength and courage the victim showed in reporting this officer’s behaviour and in supporting the investigation.

“I would urge anyone who is the victim of domestic abuse, whether physical or psychological, to report their experiences to the police. We have specially trained officers who will take their concerns seriously and support them throughout the judicial process.

“PC Cooper was off duty when these offences happened, but that does not change the seriousness of his actions. Serving as a Met officer is a privilege and we expect our officers to behave to the highest standards in their professional and private lives.

“When an officer fails to meet those standards, they can expect to be investigated and face the consequences of their actions as has happened in this case.”

Following his admission of guilt at court, PC Cooper will now face a misconduct hearing at the earliest opportunity.