Police officer says he sent transphobic, homophobic, racist and sexist messages ‘to fit in’

A police officer has admitted sending homophobic, racist, sexist and transphobic messages, claiming he did it to “fit in” with his colleagues.

A misconduct hearing was told that PC Gareth Horton exchanged messages, which contained “homophobic and violent overtones,” as well as racist, transphobic and sexist themes, with another officer while both were serving in the Merseyside police, between March and July 2023.

Horton, who moved to Dyfed-Powys Police in October 2023, said he was “so remorseful”, and claimed he was just trying to “fit in.”

He went on to say: “This does not represent my true character. It’s ignorance and stupidity on my behalf.”

However, the hearing’s chairman, Ian Arundale, said the actions spoke to a “pattern of behaviour” against groups that were

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