Metropolitan Police officer pleads guilty to controlling and coercive behavior

PC Mathew Cooper, of the Central West Command Unit, pleaded guilty to one count of non-violent controlling and coercive behavior at Aldersgate House on Monday.

A second charge of violently controlling and coercive behavior will be left on file.

PC Cooper, who was in training at the time, was arrested for the first time at his home on December 9, 2020.

He was taken to a police station where he did not respond to any observations to any questions put to him.

He was placed on restricted duties and was later charged by postal requisition

DCS Owain Richards, who is in charge of policing for the Central West region, said: ‘I salute the strength and courage the victim has shown in reporting the behavior of this officer and supporting the investigation.

“I urge anyone who experiences domestic violence, whether physical or psychological, to report their experience to the police. We have specially trained officers who will take their concerns seriously and support them through the legal process.

“PC Cooper was off duty when these offenses occurred, but that does not change the seriousness of his actions.

“Serving as an officer at the Met is a privilege and we expect our officers to conduct themselves to the highest standards in their professional and private lives.

“When an officer fails to meet these standards, he can expect to be investigated and face the consequences of his actions, as happened in this case.”

PC Cooper will now face a misconduct hearing as soon as possible.

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