Misconduct panel hears Gwent Police officers exchanged series of messages mocking gay and trans people

A misconduct panel has heard that two former Gwent Police officers exchanged a series of homophobic, transphobic, racist and misogynistic messages over several years, including content depicting the degradation and assault of women.

The officers, PC James Heley and PC Simon Lewis, resigned from the force shortly before the disciplinary proceedings and did not attend the hearing. Evidence presented to the panel showed they had circulated disturbing images and videos, including fabricated sexual content involving public figures, and material showing women being physically humiliated and assaulted.

Messages also revealed repeated mocking of LGBTQ+ people, including jokes targeting gay and trans individuals, as well as racially charged and sexually explicit material. According to the panel, the content demonstrated entrenched prejudices and “vile, racist, homophobic and misogynistic” attitudes incompatible with the standards expected of serving police officers. 

Investigators first uncovered the messages after the family of deceased former officer Ricky Jones found “derogatory” content on his phone, which later formed part of a wider national investigation into the culture within the force.

Representing Gwent Police, John‑Paul Waite told the hearing that the exchanges revealed a wider culture of misogyny and discrimination, and emphasised that the officers had not only shared the material but also failed to challenge it - an additional breach of professional standards. 

The panel concluded that both officers would have been dismissed for gross misconduct had they still been serving, noting that their behaviour was “offensive, derogatory, degrading and disrespectful”. 

A separate statement from Gwent Police leadership condemned the messages as “utterly vile and shocking”, stressing that such attitudes have “no place in policing or society”.