Met Police Officer Accused of Exploiting Girlfriends to Fund Gambling Addiction
A Metropolitan Police officer has been accused of violently abusing and deceiving a series of girlfriends while taking their money to sustain his gambling habit, according to testimony presented at Southwark Crown Court. Lewis Rollins, a 28-year-old officer from the Met's central west command unit, is currently on trial facing charges including coercive or controlling behaviour, fraud, and damaging property.
Financial Exploitation and Deception
Prosecutor Rekha Kodikara outlined how Rollins allegedly turned to three women to fund his living expenses after squandering money on gambling. The court heard that Rollins convinced one girlfriend, Dr. Georgia Miller, to assist him in securing a loan from the Metropolitan Police while secretly diverting her savings to cover his rent. Simultaneously, he was dating another woman, Alisha Steeds, from whom he unsuccessfully attempted to obtain a £4,000 loan but received £1,500 for rent in May 2022.
In a particularly egregious instance, Rollins allegedly duped Dr. Miller into transferring £750 to his own account instead of repaying Ms. Steeds, exploiting her trust. Later, he met trainee solicitor Emily Busby, who took out a £4,000 loan for him, providing £2,500 directly to Rollins. "He thought he was entitled to the loan she took out – he saw it as his money," Ms. Kodikara stated, highlighting the officer's perceived entitlement.
Pattern of Abuse and Control
The trial revealed a disturbing pattern of coercive behaviour and violence. Dr. Miller testified that Rollins exhibited "rage" and controlling jealousy, including monitoring her phone. In July 2022, he allegedly attacked her in a Birmingham hotel room, pushing her off a bed and slamming her against a wall while calling her derogatory names. Despite this, she refrained from reporting him to preserve his career.
Text messages shown in court captured Rollins admitting, "no-one in the police like me – I'm lazy, not hard-working, all I care about is drinking and gambling." Ms. Kodikara described him as "deeply insecure" and using threats of suicide to create an emotional burden on Dr. Miller. In August 2022, he reportedly pushed her into the road and broke her necklace during an argument.
Gambling Habit and Lifestyle
Rollins' gambling habit was central to the prosecution's case. On one occasion, he spent £1,000 gambling on the same day he claimed inability to pay rent. Ms. Busby supported his initiative to start a football team aimed at raising awareness about gambling problems, purchasing boots and organizing materials, while also covering his accommodation deposit after he gambled away parental funds.
The officer allegedly enjoyed holidays funded by the women, including trips to York, Spain, Seville, and Germany. "He managed to get a great deal from these relationships," Ms. Kodikara remarked, underscoring the financial and emotional exploitation.
Legal Proceedings and Denials
Lewis Rollins, residing in Fareham, Hampshire, denies all charges: two counts of controlling or coercive behaviour, one of damaging property, and three counts of fraud. The trial continues as jurors examine the evidence against the officer, whose actions have raised serious questions about conduct within the police force. The case underscores the devastating impact of gambling addiction intertwined with abusive relationships, highlighting vulnerabilities exploited by those in positions of trust.
