FRANCOIS OLWAGE, MET POLICE OFFICER, CONVICTED IN BASINGSTOKE
A Metropolitan Police detective has been convicted of attempting to meet a 13-year-old girl for sex while he was "on duty working from home." DC Francois Olwage, 52, traveled approximately 75 miles from his home in Stevenage, Hertfordshire, to Basingstoke, Hampshire, aiming to meet the undercover officer posing as the girl, named Caitlin.Police arrested Olwage at a McDonald's in Basingstoke, where they discovered in his bag two condoms, a bottle of lubricant, and a packet of Tadalafil erectile dysfunction tablets.
Also found was a box of Ferrero Rocher chocolates, believed to be intended as a gift for the girl, and he was reportedly about to buy a McFlurry for her.
Olwage, who had been working from home on duty when he made the journey, engaged in two weeks of explicit messaging in which he revealed desires to perform sex acts.
The undercover officer, who used the alias "Smile Bear" on the Lycos online forum before switching to WhatsApp, alleged that Olwage booked a hotel room for the anticipated meeting.
During the trial at Winchester Crown Court, he was found guilty of three child sex offences.
Detective Chief Superintendent Donna Smith of the Met Police stated that Olwage's arrest followed a thorough investigation by Hertfordshire Police.
Olwage claimed during the trial that he never believed Smile Bear was a 13-year-old girl and thought it was an adult role-playing a fantasy.
He also denied any sexual interest in children.
The jury convicted him of attempted sexual communication with a child, attempting to incite a 13-year-old girl to engage in sexual activity, and attempting to meet a girl under 16 following grooming.
However, he admitted to improperly exercising his police powers and privileges for the purpose of obtaining sexual gratification.
Judge Jane Miller QC instructed the jury to find him not guilty of arranging or facilitating a child sex offence.
Olwage is to be remanded in custody and awaits sentencing scheduled for later this month.
The Sun reached out to the Met Police for an official comment.
