US Embassy Officer Accused of Child Abuse Images Left UK

Lieutenant Colonel Michael Morris, who served as an assistant military attache at the US embassy in London, has been accused of possessing child sex abuse images. He was flown out of the United Kingdom in August, prior to any questioning by UK police, according to reports. Morris is now facing a hearing at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland.

Charges in the United States

Formal charges against Lt Col Morris in the US include possession and distribution of child pornography, obstructing justice, and conduct unbecoming an officer and a gentleman. His brother, Benjamin Morris, is also currently on trial in the US for multiple charges concerning child sex abuse material. Prosecutors have alleged that Benjamin Morris shared images with his brother while Michael Morris was stationed in London.

Jurisdictional Concerns

The circumstances of Lt Col Morris's departure from the UK have raised renewed concerns in Westminster regarding US authorities potentially disregarding the legal jurisdiction of the host country, particularly when alleged offences may have occurred on UK soil. A spokesperson for the US Air Force stated that charges have been preferred and will be reviewed to determine if a court-martial is appropriate. They added that further information is unavailable to protect the integrity of the investigation and the rights of the subject, reminding that charges are allegations and the member is presumed innocent.

A Metropolitan Police spokesperson confirmed they have been liaising regularly with US authorities since being made aware on August 25 of their investigation into suspected offences relating to indecent images of children. The Met Police are aware that charges have been brought in the US and legal proceedings are ongoing, and they remain in contact with US authorities.

Comparisons to Previous Cases

This case has drawn comparisons to previous incidents involving US personnel in the UK. In 2019, US state department employee Anne Sacoolas caused the death of teenager Harry Dunn in a car crash. Sacoolas left the UK shortly after the incident, with the US asserting diplomatic immunity on her behalf. She later pleaded guilty to causing death by careless driving and received a suspended prison sentence. More recently, an American fighter pilot, Captain Jacob Wulfson, avoided a trial under English law for strangling a woman in Cambridge while off-duty. He was tried at a court-martial on a US airbase and received a six-month jail sentence after being convicted of strangulation, though acquitted of sexual assault charges.