Metropolitan Police officer behind police recruitment campaign charged with stalking woman
A Metropolitan Police officer who fronted the force’s recruitment campaign has been charged with stalking and harassment.
PC Samson Akinnawo, 35, appeared before Thames Magistrates’ Court to answer accusations relating to his alleged conduct towards Melieka Daley.
The officer was prominently featured in the Met’s Change Needs You campaign in July 2024, where he spoke about his childhood ambition to join the police service.
Mr Akinnawo also appeared in promotional materials for the force as part of the recruitment initiative.
Charges against him relate to alleged behaviour between June and August of last year.
The prosecution alleges Mr Akinnawo repeatedly telephoned and sent messages to Ms Daley during this period.
He is also accused of visiting her residence and telling her he had tracked her movements from her workplace.
Following his arrest, the officer allegedly contacted the complainant’s friend.
Samson Akinnawo, the face of the Metropolitan Police’s recruitment campaign, has been charged with stalking a woman
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ONE MILLION MENTORS
Prosecutors told the court that the alleged stalking inflicted significant harm and emotional distress upon Ms Daley.
The behaviour is said to have affected her ability to carry out everyday activities.
Scotland Yard confirmed the charges were brought following Mr Akinnawo’s arrest in July 2025.
At the hearing, Mr Akinnawo pleaded guilty to a charge of refusing to provide police with the passcode to his mobile phone on 26 November last year.
The officer stood before the Thames Magistrates’ Court
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Scotland Yard has faced intense criticism over its vetting process
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District Judge Lisa Towell granted the defendant conditional bail pending his next court appearance.
He is scheduled to appear at Snaresbrook Crown Court on 10 April, where he will enter pleas to the stalking and harassment charges.
The 35-year-old, who resides on Walton Road in Newham, previously worked as both a prison officer and a bus driver before joining the police.
At the time of the alleged offences, he served in the Met’s Specialist Operations unit and remains suspended from duty.
