Disgraced former Met Police detective inspector Warren Arter was found dead in prison (Picture: Murray Sanders)
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 previously the head of a rape investigation team at the Met (Picture: Murray Sanders)
Arter bought cocaine and MDMA several times and sent out text messages offering to supply drugs to others, the MailOnline reports.
Police found incriminating photos on his phone, including one where he’s sittingin front of a mirror with lines of white powder and a card on it.
Another image showed plastic bags containing white powder resting on a set of digital scales. The photos were used against him during his tribunal.
Pictures recovered from Arter’s phone of cocaine on a mirror
Arter was arrested on his return from a holiday to Jamaica and Las Vegas in December 2016, at which point officers 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 was not, however, charged with supplying drugs, and escaped with just the misconduct charge.
Another photo found on Arter’s phone showing evidence of drug taking
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.’
Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.
For more stories like this, check our news page.