Met Police officer appears in court charged with four child sex offences

A Metropolitan Police officer has appeared in court after being charged with four child sex offences.

Det Con Francois Olwage, 51, who is attached to Specialist Operations, appeared at Basingstoke Magistrates’ Court this morning (Friday October 29) where he denied the charges.

He will appear next at Winchester Crown Court on December 1.

Olwage was arrested at an address in Basingstoke, Hants, on Thursday October 28, following an investigation by Hertfordshire Police.

He was charged later that day with four child sex offences:

• Attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child.
• Attempting to cause or incite a girl aged 13 to 15 to engage in sexual activity.
• Arranging and or facilitating the commission of a child sex offence.
• Meeting a girl under 16 years of age following grooming.

The Met’s Directorate of Professional Standards (DPS) has been informed and Olwage has been suspended.

The matter has been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

Det Ch Supt Donna Smith, from the DPS, said: “The arrest of DC Olwage follows a comprehensive investigation by detectives from Hertfordshire Police and we will continue to offer them every support as their enquiries continue.

“He was suspended following his arrest for this serious and concerning offence.

“He has been charged and will now face criminal proceedings.

“It is important that nothing is said or published that could pose a risk to those proceedings.”