A former Metropolitan Police officer is suing the force for more than £200,000, claiming she developed post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after being forced to repeatedly watch videos of child abuse. Cara Creaby, 29, worked in the Met's Sapphire Unit, dealing exclusively with child abuse cases.
Creaby says her condition was triggered by her involvement in the investigation of notorious paedophile Michael D'Costa, who groomed and abused three young girls. She had to comb through 100 videos of the abuse and was the main liaison officer for the victims, forming an 'emotional bond' with them.
Despite telling her superiors she was struggling and becoming 'tired, unkempt and emotional,' Creaby claims she received inadequate support. The Met's occupational health team suggested reduced hours, but she was still required to continue the case and attend court when D'Costa pleaded guilty to 25 sexual offences.
The lawsuit, believed to be the first of its kind, alleges an 'absence of risk assessments and health and safety surveillance' that would have protected Creaby from 'foreseeable psychiatric harm.' It also claims a failure to provide assistance with the 'difficult and harrowing work.'
Creaby is supported by the Police Federation, which stated that the effect of viewing such material 'must be recognised' and that officers need 'appropriate and ongoing workplace monitoring, supervision, and assistance.' The Met confirmed receipt of the claim and said it is being reviewed by solicitors.
