Police Sgt denies image charge

A DEVON and Cornwall Police officer will stand trial accused of distributing a grossly offensive image of George Floyd in a WhatsApp group.

Sergeant Geraint Jones, 47, is charged with sending by means of a public electronic communications network, an image that was grossly offensive, an offence contrary to section 127 of the Communications Act 2003.

The offence is said to have been committed on May 30 last year.

He appeared via video link before a district judge at Plymouth Magistrates’ Court yesterday.

The defendant, of Rawlyn Road, Torquay, spoke only to confirm his personal details and plead not guilty to the charge. He was represented in court by James Hodivala QC and appearing for the prosecution was Paul Chamberlain.

District Judge Joanna Matson set a trial date of March 19 at Plymouth Magistrates’ Court.

The court case follows an investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) into the alleged distribution via What’s App of an altered image of George Floyd’s arrest in Minneapolis, the United States.