In 2010, the Offender Database recorded that Robert Nicholson, then 27, a serving Metropolitan Police officer, was charged with serious sexual offences against a minor. On Wednesday, 2 June 2010, Nicholson, who was based at Limehouse police station in East London, appeared at City of Westminster Magistrates’ Court facing one count of sexual activity with a child.
The investigation established that an enquiry began in December 2009 after it was discovered that a 14-year-old girl, who had been reported missing by her family, had spent time with the officer. Nicholson was arrested on 18 December 2009 by the Met’s Directorate of Professional Standards. The case was subsequently referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) due to the “grave” nature of a serving officer in Limehouse being accused of exploiting a missing child for sexual purposes.
Judicial Findings and Investigative Detail
The court reported that Nicholson was charged under the Sexual Offences Act 2003. City of Westminster Magistrates’ Court heard that the officer was immediately suspended from duty following his arrest. The judge noted that the breach of trust inherent in a police officer engaging in sexual activity with a vulnerable 14-year-old girl, particularly while she was in a “missing person” status, was a significant factor in the prosecution.
The judge noted that the investigation required a thorough review of the officer’s digital communications and his movements during the period the girl was missing from her home in London. For his actions while based in Limehouse, East London, the court determined that the case should proceed to the Crown Court for trial. The prosecution reported that the Metropolitan Police had cooperated with the IPCC to ensure the integrity of the investigation into one of their own personnel.
Sentence and Statutory Requirements
For his crimes in England, Robert Nicholson was handed:
- Status: Charged with sexual activity with a child (under the Sexual Offences Act 2003).
- Sex Offenders Register: Notification requirements were activated upon his subsequent conviction.
- Professional Status: Suspended from the Metropolitan Police Service and subsequently dismissed.
- Judicial Oversight: Initially appeared at City of Westminster Magistrates’ Court before transfer to Southwark Crown Court.
Monitoring and Public Protection
Nicholson is managed under Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) by the Metropolitan Police Service and the Probation Service. Due to the nature of the exploitation of a missing child in Limehouse, East London, his management is subject to the highest level of oversight by the Public Protection Unit.
As a member of the Sex Offenders Register, Nicholson must comply with notification requirements regarding any future residence in London for the duration of his term. Authorities state that his former position as a police officer in Limehouse necessitates permanent and intense scrutiny of his social associations and any future employment. Any breach of his registration conditions or the terms of his licence will result in immediate arrest and a return to the Crown Court.
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