Met Police officer admits stealing from dead man

Craig Carter admitted misconduct in public office

A Metropolitan Police officer who stole from a dead man who collapsed on the street has pleaded guilty to misconduct in public office.

Craig Carter, 51, from Harlow in Essex, was sent to collect Claudio Gaetani's property, including a wallet, following his sudden, non-suspicious death in north London in September 2022.

Mr Gaetani's family suspected money to be missing when the items were returned to them.

Body-worn video from the scene showed Carter counting out about £100.

When the wallet was booked into the Met's property store, only £6 and a few euros were inside.

Carter appeared earlier at Wood Green Crown Court, where Judge Daniel Fugallo told him to expect a custodial sentence.

He was granted bail and is due to be sentenced at the same court in September.

'Disturbing and disrespectful'

Mr Gaetani, an Italian filmmaker and actor, was reportedly visiting London for a theatre festival at the Southbank Centre.

He collapsed and died while cycling to a house in Hornsey where he was staying with friends.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said Carter's behaviour had fallen "woefully short" of the public’s expectations of a police officer.

It said: "It is not only disturbing, but deeply disrespectful to the victim’s family. Our thoughts remain with them at this time."