Former Met Sergeant Jailed for 8 Months Over Consensual Relationship with Woman
The charge relates to offending that took place between March and December 2021
A former Metropolitan Police sergeant has been sentenced to eight months in jail after admitting to misconduct in public office, following an investigation into his sexual relationship with a woman he met during the course of his duties.
Sergeant Jonathan Peters, 37, who was attached to the South East Command Unit, received his sentence at Southwark Crown Court. The charge relates to offending that took place between March and December 2021, during which the officer and the female started a consensual sexual relationship after attending her home as part of a police investigation.
It is understood that the lady in question was the girlfriend of a suspected cocaine dealer. They now have two children together.
Evidence obtained from phone records showed that Peters repeatedly contacted the woman while on duty and without a legitimate policing purpose.
Amanda Rowe, Director for the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), commented on the case:
“Police officers are expected to maintain high levels of professionalism and integrity, particularly when dealing with members of the public who are often in a vulnerable position, given they are dealing directly with the police.
"Jonathan Peters abused his position as a police officer for a sexual purpose, a form of corruption, and he has now paid the price with a criminal conviction, the loss of his career and a period of imprisonment.
"This sends a strong message to others in policing that this type of behaviour will be robustly investigated, and they will have to live with the serious consequences of their actions.”
The IOPC investigation began in January 2022 following a mandatory conduct referral from the force. After concluding their investigation in July 2023, the IOPC referred a file of evidence to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), which then made the decision to charge PS Peters with the offence.
An accelerated misconduct hearing, arranged by the force, was held on 10 April 2025 following his criminal conviction.
At this hearing, Peters was dismissed without notice for discreditable conduct, and his name will also be placed on the police barred list, preventing him from future employment in policing.