Former Met officer convicted of misconduct in public office

A former detective who searched policing systems and shared confidential information via Snapchat has been convicted following an investigation by the Met’s Anti-Abuse and Corruption Command.

Former Detective Constable Ishmael Donegan, 26, appeared at Southwark Crown Court on Tuesday, 12 March where he pleaded guilty to four counts of misconduct in public office following an IOPC-directed investigation.

Superintendent Jack Rowlands, responsible for policing Camden and Islington, said: “Our officers are aware that they must only access computer systems and files when they have a legitimate policing purpose to do so. All officers and staff receive mandatory training on this issue and they are regularly reminded of the rules when they log into these systems.

“It is clear that former DC Donegan completely disregarded these policies and shared sensitive information with members of the public. Thanks to a thorough and complex investigation by officers from the Anti-Abuse and Corruption Command, he realised he had no choice but to own up to his offending and will now face the consequences of his actions.”

Between October 2019 and March 2022, DC Donegan looked up various people on Met computer systems.

On a number of occasions, he shared information he had found with Nonna Khabazz, a woman he met and communicated with on Snapchat.

He also used police systems to make more than 80 searches for another woman he was in contact with via text.

DC Donegan resigned from the Met in February this year. A misconduct hearing will take place as soon as possible.

At the same trial, Khabazz (20.05.97), of Summer Road, Birmingham, pleaded guilty to one count of encouraging or assisting the commission of an offence.

Blain Brown (30.03.00), of no fixed address, previously pleaded guilty to one charge of encouraging misconduct in public office after asking Khabazz to find out information on individuals via DC Donegan.

All three will be sentenced on Friday, 10 May.

Anyone with information about a police officer or member of staff who works for the Met and is corrupt, abusing their position and power, can call the Anti-Corruption and Abuse Hotline, run by the independent charity Crimestoppers, on 0800 085 0000 or complete the online form at www.crimestoppers-org.uk.