Ex-PC Boshein Jailed for Possessing Extreme Porn
Former police constable Liam Boshein has been sentenced to 42 weeks behind bars at Portsmouth Crown Court. The South Area Command Unit officer pleaded guilty to possession of extreme pornography on 10 February.
Gross Misconduct Charges Confirmed
Shortly after his conviction, Boshein faced a misconduct hearing at the Empress State Building on 9 March. The tribunal ruled his actions breached professional standards and amounted to gross misconduct.
He had already resigned on 6 March, just three days before the hearing. Had he still been serving, he would have been dismissed without notice.
Senior Officer Speaks Out
Chief Superintendent Andy Brittain, responsible for policing in Croydon, Bromley, and Sutton, slammed Boshein’s conduct:
“Boshein’s actions fell far short of the standards we demand from our police officers. It is right he admitted this abhorrent offence committed while serving and has now faced justice through the courts and Met misconduct processes.”
“We suspended Boshein immediately once the offending came to light and held a misconduct hearing at the earliest opportunity. His conviction damages public trust in the police, who work tirelessly every day. We are committed to keeping officers the public can trust and will remove anyone who fails to meet those standards.”
How the Case Unfolded
- On 5 April 2021, Boshein was arrested on suspicion of coercive and controlling behaviour.
- Police downloaded his phone during the investigation and uncovered the extreme pornographic image.
- No further action was taken over the coercive behaviour allegations.
- The pornography charge was passed to Hampshire Police, where the offence occurred.
- He attended a voluntary interview in January 2022, denying knowledge of the image.
- Charged in October 2022, Boshein initially pled not guilty but changed to guilty in February 2023.
- He will now be added to the Barred List, banning future employment in police or fire services across the UK.
