Two Ex-Met Cops Get Suspended Sentences for SA Casino Attack

A pair of former Metropolitan Police officers walked free after a nighttime sexual assault at a popular central London gambling spot. The attack, which happened in the Hippodrome Casino‘s rooftop bar, has put police misconduct back in the spotlight and sparked debate about safety in busy nightlife areas where drinking, crowds, and gambling come together.

London Casino Assault Leads to Suspended Terms for Former Officers

The trial focused on Jerome Beasley, 43, from North Harrow, and Luke Robinson, 40, of Northampton. Both men were not working when they went after a woman in the early morning of April 22, 2024. The Southwark Crown Court heard that the two kept coming up to her while she hung out at the casino, touching her chest even though she told them to stop, reported BBC News. The gaming place’s cameras, which keep a close eye on things because of the rules they have to follow, caught the whole thing on tape. Other people at the casino could see what was happening, too.

Prosecutors said the men acted on purpose and kept at it, pointing out that the woman tried to protect herself from their advances, but they did not stop. Video footage showed the two coming back several times, not scared off by staff and guests being there. The victim later said the unwanted touching made her upset and very worried about going to busy places. She also said she had lasting emotional problems, including panic attacks.

Met Officers Fired and Penalized Following Casino Sexual Assault Case

Beasley first faced four counts of sexual assault, and Robinson three. Both changed their pleas to guilty right before the trial. Their old employer had already fired them from the Met’s Central West Command Unit after internal actions started because of the charges.

When it came time for sentencing, Judge Mark Weekes handed down 18 months to Beasley and 15 months to Robinson, but put both sentences on hold for two years. He said the two had failed to meet the high bar set for police officers and made it clear that people should not have to deal with this kind of conduct from those given power. The judge also ordered them to do 250 hours of community service without pay, take part in a 30-day rehab program, and stay home at night for five months. They each have to pay the woman GBP 750 ($1,007) and chip in for court fees. On top of that, they got five-year restraining orders.

High-ranking Met officials later stated that the behavior was unacceptable and incompatible with police duties. They stressed that such actions harm the already shaky trust in the police force and promised ongoing work to remove staff who do not meet professional standards.

The incident served as an unwanted reminder to the Hippodrome Casino, a venue known for non-stop gambling, live shows and tight security, that even monitored places are not safe from harmful acts. Casino leaders helped investigators, and the court pointed out that the casino’s cameras played a key role in creating a clear timeline of what happened.