A former Metropolitan Police detective, Jason Grafham, has been found guilty of gross misconduct after a tribunal ruled he showed colleagues images of a murdered teenager's body. The hearing concluded that Mr Grafham's actions in displaying photographs of 18-year-old Sally Anne Bowman, who was raped and murdered in 2005, significantly compounded the emotional harm and grief experienced by her family. It was determined there was no legitimate policing reason for him to possess or share these distressing images.
Mr Grafham, who served as an exhibits officer in the case, also faced accusations of making several sexually inappropriate, discriminatory, and/or derogatory remarks to colleagues between March and December 2024. The tribunal found him guilty of these comments, with only one of the discriminatory allegations not being proven. Copies of the images were discovered during a search of Mr Grafham's desk in 2024.
The tribunal chairman, Commander Paul Trevers, stated that displaying the photos without any policing purpose was "profoundly inappropriate and failed to treat the victim with dignity." He emphasised that even two decades later, the emotional impact on the Bowman family remains significant, and Mr Grafham's actions exacerbated their suffering. Commander Trevers added that such behaviour was "wholly inconsistent with locally recognised practice" and had "significant potential to undermine confidence in policing standards."
Despite the findings, Mr Grafham would have been dismissed from the force for gross misconduct had he not retired a day before the tribunal commenced. His representative, Mark Scrutton, argued in defence that Mr Grafham was "incredibly proud" of his role in the case. However, Detective Chief Superintendent Angela Craggs condemned Mr Grafham's actions as "despicable, incomprehensible and deeply disrespectful," offering a profound apology to Ms Bowman's family for the additional pain caused.
Ms Craggs further stated that Mr Grafham's comments to colleagues were "incredibly offensive and inappropriate," asserting that there is no place in the organisation for those who believe such behaviour and language are acceptable. Mark Dixie, Sally Anne Bowman's killer, was jailed in 2008 and received a minimum term of 34 years.