Two serving Metropolitan Police officers have been handed suspended prison sentences after being convicted of sexually assaulting a woman at a Central London casino, in a case described as an "embarrassment" to the force.
The Assault at the Hippodrome Casino
Jerome Beasley, 43, and Luke Robinson, 40, were off duty when they carried out the attack in the early hours of 22 April 2024. The incident occurred at a rooftop bar in the Hippodrome Casino in the heart of the capital.
Southwark Crown Court heard that the pair, who were drunk, repeatedly touched the woman's breasts, ignoring her clear pleas for them to stop. The assault was captured on CCTV, which showed the officers approaching the victim multiple times. Prosecutor Mark Gadsden stated the woman was also squeezed "hard" on the bottom during the prolonged ordeal.
Court Proceedings and Sentencing
Both men, who were attached to the Met's Central West Command Unit, only changed their pleas to guilty on three counts of sexual assault each just days before their trial was due to begin.
On Monday 12 January 2026, Judge Mark Weekes sentenced Robinson to 15 months imprisonment and Beasley to 18 months, with both terms suspended for two years. He told the defendants their behaviour had disgraced them and betrayed the police uniform.
"There is, rightly, grave public concern at present concerning conduct of officers of the Metropolitan Police. The public is entitled to expect much better," Judge Weekes said. He added that their actions caused "embarrassment and frustration" for the majority of officers who uphold proper standards.
Impact and Consequences
In a victim impact statement, the woman said the officers "took advantage of my intoxication" and "made me doubt my own sanity". She described being "horrified" and has since suffered from panic attacks and PTSD.
As well as their suspended sentences, the pair were each ordered to complete 250 hours of unpaid work and a 30-day rehabilitation activity requirement. A five-month overnight curfew was imposed, alongside a five-year restraining order. They must also pay the victim £750 in compensation and £150 in costs.
Both men have been dismissed from the Metropolitan Police, a consequence the judge said was "entirely inevitable and justified". The court heard they had previously been of good character.
