A Metropolitan Police officer, reportedly the youngest detective inspector in the nation, has been brought before the court on charges of tampering with evidence.

Detective Inspector Taylor Flanagan-Clark, aged 32 and part of the north-west local investigations unit, appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Friday facing accusations of obstructing justice.

Prosecutor Rhianne Neil claimed that the defendant remotely deleted data from a mobile phone which had been confiscated by police for analysis, thereby “destroying evidence.”

Defense attorney Sam Haldane asserted that his client maintains he did not erase any information from the device.

The barrister characterized Mr. Flanagan-Clark, a father of two hailing from Hemel Hempstead in Hertfordshire, as a “highly regarded officer” with an “unblemished history” and reportedly the youngest detective inspector in the country.

He noted that the defendant has had experience working in various areas including Westminster, Kensington, Hammersmith and Fulham, Barnet, Harrow, and Hackney.

Currently suspended, the officer has been remanded in custody and is scheduled to appear again at Southwark Crown Court on September 19.

Detective Chief Superintendent Luke Williams commented, “These allegations are extremely serious and will certainly alarm the community we serve as well as our personnel. However, I want to assure everyone that my team has been collaborating closely with the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) and the Anti-Corruption Command since the outset of this situation.

“For the time being, it is crucial that we allow the legal process to unfold without compromising the ongoing investigation.”