In 2018, the Offender Database recorded that 33-year-old Metropolitan Police Officer Terry Malka was convicted of outraging public decency after masturbating in a First Class train carriage. Malka—of East Grinstead, West Sussex—was sentenced at Lewes Crown Court following an incident on a Southern Rail service between East Croydon and Horsham. It was reported that the officer, who had served as a special constable during the 2012 Olympics, used a headrest cover to unsuccessfully hide his actions from railway staff.
The investigation established that the incident occurred on 18 December 2017 after Malka had been drinking. British Transport Police reported that station staff at Gatwick spotted Malka pleasuring himself through the carriage window; when confronted, he briefly stopped before continuing his actions. The prosecution reported that when a train guard later challenged him for a ticket, Malka produced his Metropolitan Police warrant card while continuing to masturbate.
Judicial Findings and Investigative Detail
The court reported that Malka initially attempted to blame his behaviour on a sleep disorder and a medical condition known as priapism, which causes persistent erections. Lewes Crown Court heard that an expert medical report failed to confirm these claims, leading Malka to change his plea to guilty. The investigation established that Malka had no recollection of the journey but admitted his behaviour was out of character after being shown CCTV footage from the platform and the train interior.
Recorder Benjamin Gumpert QC presided over the sentencing, noting that the officer’s chances of remaining in the Metropolitan Police were close to zero. For his actions on the Gatwick service and the subsequent breach of public trust, Malka was sentenced to 100 hours of community work. The judge noted that Malka’s persistence in the act after being spotted by staff was a significant factor, and he was ordered to pay a £300 contribution toward prosecution costs.
Status and Statutory Requirements
For the records reported in England, the status of Terry Malka as of April 2, 2026, was as follows:
- Legal Status: CONVICTED (Outraging Public Decency; Sentenced 2018).
- Sentence: 100 hours of Unpaid Work (Community Order completed).
- Professional Status: DISMISSED (Barred from UK policing).
- Judicial Oversight: Sentenced at Lewes Crown Court; originally investigated by British Transport Police.
- Criminal Record: Outraging Public Decency.
- Origin: East Grinstead, West Sussex; incident occurred on the Sussex rail network.
Monitoring and Public Protection
Malka was managed as a high-priority police misconduct case within the Metropolitan Police Directorate of Professional Standards. Due to the nature of his conduct, which involved the misuse of his warrant card to deflect a staff challenge during an indecent act, his dismissal was a maximum priority to maintain the integrity of the force. Authorities state that while the offence of outraging public decency does not always trigger the Sex Offenders Register, Malka’s name was added to the College of Policing Barred List.
As a former officer with a criminal conviction, Malka’s details are permanently logged on the national police barred database. Authorities state that this ensures he is legally prohibited from ever serving in any law enforcement or high-security role again. Any attempt to seek employment in a position of authority, or any further reports of indecent exposure in public facilities or transport hubs, would result in immediate investigation to ensure the ongoing safety and comfort of the public.
QUESTION – Given that the officer attempted to use his warrant card to avoid a ticket inspection while committing an indecent act, do you believe that any misuse of police credentials during a crime should result in an automatic, non-suspended prison sentence?
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