Two ex-police officers, previously with Kent Police and the Metropolitan Police, have pleaded guilty to separate charges of large-scale fraud and distributing indecent images of children, with sentencing to follow.
In separate incidents, two former police officers have admitted to serious crimes, one involving a large-scale fraud and the other the distribution of indecent images of children.
Ex-Kent Police sergeant Michael Stanley has pleaded guilty to orchestrating a considerable fraud through the Layezy Racing Syndicate (LRS), misleading thousands of investors over six years. Through this betting syndicate, marketed as a low-risk investment opportunity, members invested around £44 million, but were paid out only about £34 million, leading to a £10 million shortfall. Stanley admitted to five charges related to making false representations and running businesses for fraudulent purposes. His sentencing will occur at a later date in Maidstone Crown Court.
In a separate case, former Metropolitan Police officer, PC Adam Merriman, has pleaded guilty to multiple charges of downloading and distributing indecent images of children. Merriman, who displayed a pattern of communicating with females who had children, confessed to three counts each of making and distributing indecent images. After these admissions, he was remanded in custody and awaits sentencing at Southwark Crown Court. Merriman had previously been cleared of separate harassment and assault allegations in 2017. Following his recent guilty pleas, he resigned from the Met and is now facing an accelerated misconduct hearing. Chief Superintendent Sara Leach has stated that the misconduct proceedings would proceed promptly in light of the “incredibly serious offences.”
These cases have each prompted reactions from their respective forces and the communities impacted, with ongoing legal processes and official responses addressing the serious nature of the crimes committed.
