A Metropolitan Police detective who was sacked over accusations he made sexual advances on victims and offered drugs at swingers’ parties has died in prison.
Warren Arter, a former detective inspector, was found unresponsive in his cell at HMP Wandsworth, just days after being charged with misconduct.
He had been remanded in custody at Westminster magistrates’ court on Wednesday and died on Friday.
The 54-year-old was charged with misconduct in public office – a criminal offence – following accusations he pestered victims of sexual offences for sex between 2006 and 2013 when he was a detective sergeant leading a rape investigation team.
It was also alleged he took and offered cocaine to women at swingers’ parties and turned a blind eye to other people taking drugs.
He was suspended on full pay from the Met for seven years in 2016 for abusing his position, during which time it is believed he earned around £400,000.
He was finally sacked last year after a misconduct tribunal and was due to appear at Woolwich Crown Court next month on the criminal charge.
Arter was arrested on his return from a holiday to Jamaica and Las Vegas in December 2016, after police received an anonymous tip off that he was having ‘inappropriate’ relationships with sex victims, the MailOnline reports.
Officers then discovered drugs paraphernalia, including scales and metal straws, at his home.
The father was interviewed under caution on suspicion of offering to supply controlled drugs to others and the corrupt or improper use of police powers.
Arter wasn’t, however, charged with a criminal offence until this month, and he escaped any charge related to supplying drugs, only facing an accusation of misconduct in public office.
Last year’s Met Police misconduct tribunal heard Arter bought cocaine and MDMA several times between 2016 and 2018 and sent out text messages offering to supply drugs to others, the MailOnline reports.
Incriminating photos, including one where he’s sitting in front of a mirror with lines of white powder and a card on it, were found by police on his phone and used as evidence at the hearing.
In 2009, the rape investigation team Arter was heading up received an award for having the best detection rate in the Met.
A Ministry of Defence spokesman said: ‘Warren Arter died at HMP Wandsworth on Friday 12th July.
‘As with all deaths in custody, the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman will investigate.’
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