The outcome of an investigation into a 'stalker' police officer will be covered up forever because he took his own life before he could be questioned over his alleged crimes.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has completed its investigation into PC Ryan Gadsden, who was accused of inappropriate contact with young cadets.

Gadsden, 23, of Hailsham Road in Harold Hill, was accused of “abusing his position for a sexual purpose”.

The allegations included that he had messaged girls under 16 on social media.

He was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in a public office and bailed, but the criminal investigation was halted with no further action as a result of his suicide.

While the IOPC continued and recently completed its separate misconduct probe, only Gadsden’s family and the Metropolitan Police Service have been informed of the outcome.

The IOPC has refused to release a copy of its findings to the Romford Recorder.

“It is not in the public interest to publish them because of the adverse effect it may have on the former officer’s family, friends and ex-colleagues, as well as the alleged victims in this case, who did not wish to provide statements to us,” a spokesperson said.

“We also took into account that the officer died before he had an opportunity to respond to some of the allegations raised and the allegations will never be tested at a hearing.”

Gadsden was described by relatives at his inquest as a “conscientious” person who “enjoyed helping others”.

He had played for Romford and Gidea Park Rugby Club and was known by the nickname “Giggles”.

But the same court hearing revealed a darker side to the police officer, who joined the Met in 2019 after years as a cadet.

A document projected onto a big screen at East London Coroner’s Court revealed that in 2020, Gadsden was reported to police for stalking an ex-partner.

He managed to keep his job, only to end up under investigation three years later following a new report, this time about his behaviour towards a teenage girl.  

An inquest into PC Ryan Gadsden's death was held at East London Coroner's Court in May 2024An inquest into PC Ryan Gadsden's death was held at East London Coroner's Court in May 2024 (Image: Charles Thomson) Read more:

The teen, who allegedly received a gift from Gadsden, reported him to British Transport Police, triggering an investigation by the IOPC.

He was arrested on May 24, 2023, when he arrived at work, while the IOPC raided his home and seized his electronic devices.

He was suspended from duty and placed on police bail.

After the devices were seized and interrogated, Gadsden – by then also a volunteer cadet leader – was told police were now investigating his interactions with young female police cadets too.

He received the news on August 14, 2023, his inquest heard.

A police officer tasked with monitoring Gadsden’s welfare during the investigation testified that he was left “visibly upset” and “shocked” by the revelation that he was facing “further allegations”.

His bail return date was extended to November 22, 2023.

But Gadsden was found dead weeks later, on September 25, in a Havering park.

Coroner Nadia Persaud ruled Gadsden’s death a suicide at an inquest in May 2024, where she banned all witnesses from revealing any details of his alleged crimes.

In August, the Romford Recorder revealed City of London Police had literally covered up Gadsden’s alleged crimes, by hiding the details behind thick, black redaction when it released its own investigation report into the lead-up to his death.

It even redacted portions of the report that had already been shown and discussed in open court at Gadsden’s inquest.

Like the IOPC, it said it was withholding information in case Gadsden’s loved ones found its release upsetting.

The decision drew criticism from women’s rights groups.