Former Police Officer Sentenced for Disturbing Messages
A former Metropolitan Police officer has been given a suspended prison sentence after being convicted of sharing messages about sexually abusing children. PC Duncan Bouette, who was attached to the North East Command Unit, sent a series of deeply disturbing messages in November of last year.
The Offences and Investigation
Bouette's criminal activity began on Monday, 18 November 2024, when he sent the initial messages. The case escalated nearly a year later when, on 2 and 3 October 2025, he sent further messages that detailed extreme and violent sexual practices.
Metropolitan Police detectives became aware of his actions shortly afterwards, leading to his arrest on Tuesday, 7 October 2025. He was charged the following day with two counts under the Obscene Publications Act.
Court Proceedings and Sentencing
Bouette appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Thursday, 9 October 2025, where he pleaded guilty to both charges. His sentencing took place at the same court on Thursday, 6 November 2025.
The court handed down an 18-month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months. In addition, Bouette was ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid community work. The judge also imposed a three-year criminal behaviour order with strict conditions, including a ban on having unsupervised contact with children and limitations on his use of digital devices.
Police Response and Dismissal
Superintendent Lynne Forster, who leads policing in North East London, stated: "PC Bouette's behaviour was completely unacceptable and specialist officers moved swiftly following information received."
Bouette's guilty plea enabled an accelerated misconduct hearing, which resulted in his dismissal from the Metropolitan Police on Tuesday, 4 November 2025. Superintendent Forster emphasised the force's determination to tackle offending by officers, noting that the entire process from arrest to dismissal and sentencing took less than a month.
Bouette has also been added to the Barred List held by the College of Policing, ensuring he cannot work as a police officer again in the UK.
