Met PCs sentenced for lying over police pursuit

Two former Metropolitan Police officers, Neil Churchley and Michael Salmon, were sentenced for perverting the course of justice after a motorcycle pursuit on July 5, 2023, in Hayes, west London, resulted in a passenger's leg injury. Both officers misled their colleagues regarding the identity of the motorcycle driver and took the drastic step of destroying their body-worn cameras, which could have provided vital evidence. At Southwark Crown Court, Churchley received a six-month suspended sentence, while Salmon received eight months for his role in the misconduct. Superintendent Martin Kirby expressed dismay at their actions, stating they let down their colleagues and the public. The misconduct was referred to the Directorate of Professional Standards, leading to Salmon's arrest on July 6 and his suspension from duty.

Churchley was also placed on restricted duties until he resigned in November 2024. An accelerated misconduct hearing revealed they would have been dismissed without notice had they still been serving. This incident raises critical concerns about police accountability and the integrity of law enforcement practices.