A former Metropolitan Police officer, Craig Carter, has been sentenced to 16 months in prison for stealing from a deceased man. Carter, who had a decorated career, including a Borough Commander’s commendation for saving a life,admitted to taking around £115 in cash from the wallet of filmmaker Claudio Gaetani.

The incident occurred in September 2022 when Gaetani, 45, suffered a fatal heart attack while cycling in north London.Carter, who was part of the local “safer neighborhood team,” was tasked with preserving the scene. Instead of fulfilling his duty, he helped himself to the victim’s cash, falsely reporting a much smaller amount to authorities.

Wood Green Crown Court heard that Carter attempted to cover up his crime by claiming he hadn’t searched Gaetani’s body and only looked through the wallet when it was handed to him. However, his body-worn camera footage revealed him counting the stolen money, undermining his claim.

Judge Kaly Kaul described Carter’s crime as “abhorrent,” noting that he had betrayed the trust placed in him as a police officer. Despite his previous service, including during terrorist attacks, the judge said his actions had tarnished his reputation and damaged the public’s trust in law enforcement.

Carter was dismissed from the Met Police following his conviction, ending a 23-year career. The victim’s family expressed their devastation and anger over the incident, stating that it had severely damaged their trust in the police.