Police Inspector Found Dead on Day of Pending Charges
A tragic incident has come to light as a Metropolitan Police chief inspector was discovered deceased at his residence in Princes Risborough, Buckinghamshire. Richard Watkinson’s passing coincided with the day he was scheduled to face charges related to possessing child abuse images. The senior officer, who specialized in neighborhood policing in West London, had reportedly taken his own life by hanging himself, according to the inquest.
The details unfolded at Buckinghamshire Coroner’s Court, where it was revealed that Watkinson’s untimely demise occurred within the broader context of an ongoing police investigation. Alongside his body, a handwritten note was found on January 12 of this year.
Watkinson was set to face charges related to conspiring with two colleagues, with the intent to distribute or display indecent images of children among themselves. Additionally, he was accused of three counts of producing indecent photos of a child, engaging in voyeurism, and committing two counts of misconduct in public office.
During a search of his residence, officers uncovered disturbing evidence concealed within a secret room accessed through a trap door. This collection included children’s clothing, explicit toys, and a significant number of child abuse images.
Assistant Coroner Alison McCormick concluded that, based on available evidence, Watkinson had intended to take his own life. Both a police investigation and a toxicology report ruled out any involvement of a third party. In a separate case, retired officers Jack Addis and Jeremy Laxton, aged 63, were previously convicted for conspiring with Watkinson to share indecent images of children. These images, categorized by their severity, numbered in the thousands.
For those affected by the topics discussed in this article, support is available through the Samaritans helpline at 116123.