Two retired Metropolitan Police officers have been charged with possessing images of child sex abuse as part of an investigation into a serving chief inspector who was discovered dead before being charged.

Richard Watkinson, nicknamed ‘Sir Smashy’ after a Harry Enfield character, is suspected of killing himself after thousands of items of “utmost severity” child pornography, sex toys, and child’s underwear were discovered in his home’s trap door.

Chief Inspector Richard Watkinson was discovered dead by fellow officers on the day he was scheduled to appear in court to face charges related to a stash of child porn and boys’ pants allegedly discovered in a secret room.

Scotland Yard frequently used the “popular” senior officer to give talks on domestic violence or to speak to the media following large drug busts.

Watkinson was due to return to court on bail last Thursday to face charges related to an alleged connection to an online paedophilia network.

He was reportedly afraid that his name would be made public in connection with the alleged conspiracy to distribute indecent images of children.

“He was a popular governor, and his arrest shocked everyone,” one former colleague said.

There was talk of thousands of images and videos being discovered behind a trap door in his house.

“He had been under huge mental strain while he was on bail and there were concerns that he was suicidal.

“The worst fears for his health have now been realised and he was found dead last week. He may have committed suicide.”

On July 9, 2021, he was arrested on suspicion of misconduct, sending obscene messages, corrupt exercise of police powers, and data protection violations.

Eleven days later, he was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to distribute derogatory images of children, voyeurism, and misconduct in public office.

Met officers attended an address in Buckinghamshire on the afternoon of Thursday, 12 January following welfare concerns and discovered the body of a man in his 40s,” a Met Police spokesperson said.

Officers were called to Saunderton, Princes Risborough, just after 3.35pm on Thursday 12 January,” said a Thames Valley Police spokesperson.

“Unfortunately, the body of a man was discovered inside a property at that location. The death of the man is unexplained but not suspicious. The coroner will be given a file.

His next of kin have been notified, and our hearts go out to the man’s family and friends.

In the aftermath of the David Carrick scandal, all police forces were told on Wednesday to check their officers and staff against national police databases to identify additional rogue officers who needed to be removed.

Suella Braverman, the Home Secretary, has also asked the College of Policing to strengthen police vetting rules by making them stricter, clearer, and legally binding.

Carrick, 48, is facing life in prison after pleading guilty to 49 offences against 12 women between 2003 and 2020, including 24 counts of rape.

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