UK Solicitor Posing as Police Officer to Obtain Nando's CCTV Footage

• UK solicitor Connor Johnstone poses as police officer to obtain Nando's CCTV footage
• Johnstone handed 12-month community order and 260 hours of unpaid work
• Solicitors Regulation Authority launches investigation into Johnstone's actions
• Impersonating a police officer is a serious offense in the UK
• Case highlights importance of verifying identity when handling sensitive information

You do not have to be a solicitor to know that impersonating a police officer is a very serious offence, so Connor Johnstone will have been well aware that his actions were illegal.

A solicitor in the UK has been handed a 12-month community order and ordered to complete 260 hours of supervised unpaid work after posing as a police officer to obtain CCTV footage from a Nando's restaurant. The incident occurred on July 22, 2025, when staff at a Warrington Nando's were contacted by a man claiming to be police constable Matthew Gregory of the Cheshire Police's domestic violence unit. He presented what appeared to be a legitimate email address and requested urgent access to CCTV footage, which was eventually released after being signed for on a release form.

Impersonating a police officer is a serious offense in the UK, and this case highlights the importance of verifying the identity of individuals requesting sensitive information. The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has launched an investigation into Connor Johnstone's actions, as he was found to have temporarily purchased the email address used to contact Nando's staff. This purchase included his date of birth, phone number, and address, which were likely used to create a convincing persona.

This case serves as a reminder that lawyers should be aware of the serious consequences of impersonating a police officer. The actions of Connor Johnstone have not only damaged his own reputation but also put trust in the legal profession at risk. As Detective Constable Darroch pointed out, 'You do not have to be a solicitor to know that impersonating a police officer is a very serious offence.' This incident underscores the need for vigilance and due diligence when handling sensitive information.

Lawyers should be aware that impersonating a police officer is a serious offense, and this case highlights the importance of verifying the identity of individuals requesting sensitive information.

Source: Original reporting via Australasian Lawyer