Met officer charged with sexual assault offences

A serving Metropolitan Police officer has appeared at court following sexual assault charges.

Inspector Michael Richards, attached to Learning and Development, was charged with two counts of sexual assault by touching on Sunday, 25 May.

He appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 23 June. He was bailed to next appear at Southwark Crown Court on Monday, 21 July.

He remains suspended from duty.

Insp Richards was arrested on Wednesday 17, September on suspicion of sexual assault by touching. The allegations relate to a male and a female victim, both over the age of 18. They are alleged to have taken place on the same day as the arrest while Insp Richards was off-duty.

The Met's Directorate of Professional Standards is aware.