Special police stole a body bag

A Met police officer was caught with a body bag under his desk and claimed it was “not for nefarious purpose”. Toby Biginton stole the bag, used to transport the bodies, along with six police radios, three batons, four warrant card holders and badges, a computer setup used to access sensitive information and a set of master keys, he heard on Tuesday Croydon Crown Court. (21 May).

The 24-year-old – who claims the items were taken for his memorabilia collection – was jailed for 12 months, having already been sacked from the Met following misconduct hearings held in August and December last year. Biginton appeared emotionless as he was immediately remanded in custody by the judge, who said she would “fail the public” if the former special constable was not caged.

Biginton brought the contraband home during his role as a sergeant and team leader with the Met Ops Uniform Service, distributing kits to officers in London. Prosecutor Shekinah Anson said the “experienced” officer had “intricate knowledge” of the force’s policies and was never authorized to take the items to his grandmother’s home in Orpington, south-east London, where he lived.

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The stash of equipment – worth £3,268 – was discovered by officers during an arrest warrant for another set of charges, for which Biginton has not been charged. As well as the body bag, police found an extended friction locking wand and two acrylic batons, which remained at his address despite Biginton signing a disclaimer during a domestic amnesty for officers to hand him the sticks.

Police radios were also found alongside a list of radio codes, allowing Biginton to access communications from the Met, Surrey and Kent. These were taken amid a radio shortage, further limiting police operational capacity. Ms Anson said there was a limited set of circumstances in which officers were allowed to take home protective equipment and radios, none of which Biginton fell into.

Biginton was charged with six counts of theft and two counts of possession of a weapon in a private place. He denied all and the case went to trial in June 2023. At Croydon Crown Court, the jury rejected his claim that he “forgot” about the body bag under his desk and took the canes to add to the relics given by his grandfather. Biginton was convicted on all counts.

“Opening the door to other crimes”

Defense counsel Michael Chambers insisted his client had no unlawful purpose in keeping the body bag under the desk. “The reality was there was no nefarious intent,” Mr Chambers said, “there was evidence of the culture of the Met Police. Mr Biginton’s account is that he did not think there was anything wrong or dishonest.’

But Judge Deborah Charles shared her continued concern about the body bag and cited the jury’s rejection of Biginton’s explanation that he brought it home and forgot about it. “I accept that there is no evidence that he did anything nefarious with that object, but it is the possible opening of the door to other crimes that concerns me,” Judge Charles said.

Mr Chambers reiterated “there was nothing sinister” about Biginton’s aim but suggested he lacked maturity and thinking skills. The barrister also highlighted Biginton’s status in the force, his previous good character, the care he gives to his 76-year-old grandmother and the recent birth of his three-week-old baby. Arguing for a suspended sentence, Mr Chambers added: “He fully realizes and accepts the seriousness of his offence.”

As the judge stepped back to make her decision, Biginton looked thoughtful. When she appeared, Biginton rose to his feet to receive his punishment. Judge Charles explained that “a body bag is not a collector’s item” as he jailed him for 12 months. While she accepted there was no evidence of any offense linked to the articles, she still found it “disturbing”.

“You have committed these offenses over a sustained period and you have no insight into your behaviour,” said the judge, “I have considered with the utmost care whether this sentence can and should be suspended. I have, however, come to a conclusion. that I would fail the public if I did not impose immediate custody”.

Biginton – who was said to pose a medium risk of harm to the public – was jailed for 12 months concurrently for each charge of theft and four months concurrently for each charge of possessing an offensive weapon. He will serve half of his sentence before being eligible for release on licence. The stolen objects were ordered to be destroyed.

“No legitimate reason”

MyLondon previously reported how Biginton was singled out as an outstanding officer in a Met Police Facebook post after he selflessly “jumped into action” to help a man seen walking in the middle of a footpath. Along with another off-duty officer and member of the public, Biginton was punched and spat on while restraining the man and arresting him, preventing a tragic accident.

After Biginton was sacked from the force last December, his former boss, Chief Superintendent Trevor Lawry, said there was “no legitimate reason” for Biginton to have the equipment at home and it was “right” that he was sacked .

“We expect the highest standards from all our employees, including our special constables who have the same powers as police officers. We will not tolerate this type of behavior and we are pleased that a thorough investigation has uncovered his actions “said the chief. Sucking. Lawry.

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