A member of the Metropolitan Police has been formally charged after reportedly disseminating messages concerning the sexual exploitation of minors.

Police Constable Duncan Bouette is set to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, facing two charges under the Obscene Publications Act linked to a series of messages dated 18 November 2024.

He was taken into custody on Tuesday, suspended from his duties, and subsequently charged the following day.

Additionally, it is claimed that PC Bouette used a secure messaging application to share messages pertaining to extreme and violent sexual practices. The Metropolitan Police’s professional standards directorate has been notified of the situation.