Police Officer Jailed For Stealing Money From Dead Man (Photo)

 

A former police constable Craig Carter has been sent to prison.

 

Carter was sentenced to prison after being convicted of stealing money from a deceased individual.

 

Carter, 51, formerly of the North Area Command Unit, was sentenced to 16 months’ imprisonment at Wood Green Crown Court on Friday, 13 September, following his guilty plea to misconduct in public office.

 

Detective Chief Superintendent Caroline Haines, head of the North Area Command Unit, commented on the sentencing: “Today’s outcome underscores the gravity of Carter’s offenses. His guilty plea in July allowed us to expedite misconduct proceedings, leading to his dismissal from the Met the following month.”

 

The incident occurred on 8 September 2022, when PC Carter responded to the scene of the death of 45-year-old Claudio Gaetani.

 

The ex-Met officer was responsible for collecting the deceased’s belongings, including his wallet.

 

On 6 October 2022, Gaetani’s family reported missing money after retrieving his belongings.

 

An investigation by the Directorate of Professional Standards revealed that Carter’s body-worn video showed him counting approximately £100. However, only £6 and a small amount of Euros were found when the property was booked into the store.

 

Carter was charged in June this year and subsequently dismissed from the Met after a one-day Accelerated Misconduct Hearing on Thursday, 15 August.

 

The hearing concluded that Carter had breached several Standards of Professional Behaviour, including those relating to discreditable conduct, honesty and integrity, and duties and responsibilities.

 

As a result of his conviction, Carter will be added to the College of Policing barred list, prohibiting him from serving as a police officer or holding similar roles in the future.