The case against Novlett Robyn Williams, a former senior Metropolitan Police officer, has been dropped after it was revealed in court that she had been “traumatised” by the legal ordeal. Williams, 59, was accused of repeatedly failing to comply with her sex offender notification requirements, stemming from a previous conviction of possessing a child abuse video.

However, on the day of her trial at the Old Bailey, prosecutor Richard Wright KC informed the court that it would not be in the public interest to proceed with the case. This decision was made following a recent psychiatric report outlining the detrimental impact of the ongoing proceedings on Williams’ mental health.

Richard Wright stated, “After careful consideration, the prosecution has concluded that in light of the mental health report... it is no longer in the public interest to pursue the prosecution.” He then invited the court to order the charges to lie on the court file.

Defense barrister Rajiv Menon KC addressed the court, highlighting the significant toll the case had taken on Williams. He emphasized that Williams had already faced severe repercussions, including the end of her distinguished career in law enforcement.

Williams, who was commended for her work during the Grenfell Tower disaster, had recently resigned from the Metropolitan Police Service “with immediate effect,” according to Menon.

Judge Richard Marks KC acknowledged the distressing nature of the mental health report and expressed sympathy for Williams. He declined to formally acquit her but assured, “As far as I am concerned, she leaves the court with no stain on her character.”