A Metropolitan Police officer has told a court that his gambling addiction 'took control' of his life, as he faces allegations of abusing and cheating three women out of thousands of pounds. PC Lewis Rollins, aged 28, is accused of financially exploiting Dr Georgina Miller, trainee solicitor Emily Busby, and Alisha Steeds to fund his gambling habit between 2022 and 2023.
Details of the Allegations
Rollins, who served in the Met's central west command unit based at Charing Cross Police Station, allegedly assaulted Dr Miller at a hotel in July 2022 and then shoved her into the road the following month. According to evidence presented at Southwark Crown Court, she provided him with £1,000 for rent, £1,000 for a bet, and funded trips to Spain.
Financial Exploitation Claims
It is claimed that Ms Steeds gave him £1,500 and financed various trips, including to York. Jurors heard that Ms Busby loaned him £800 for accommodation, allowed him to use her car, and funded additional trips. Furthermore, it is alleged that Rollins pushed Ms Busby after she discovered he was seeing another woman and threatened to commit suicide.
In a disturbing twist, Rollins is also accused of manipulating Ms Busby into becoming involved in setting up a football team for gambling awareness, as revealed in court proceedings.
Rollins' Defence Statement
In a statement read to the court, Rollins denied the allegations relating to Ms Busby. He stated, 'It is important for you to know that I was recovering from a gambling addiction, which I disclosed to my work in 2022. It started to affect my work, my relationships, my family. It took control of my life.'
He expressed ongoing struggle, saying, 'It was a really hard place to be in. I am still struggling with the shame I feel towards myself about my addiction.' Rollins claimed he had not wanted a romantic relationship with Ms Busby, adding, 'I was not sexually interested in her. I told the complainant I only wanted to be friends and she didn't take it well.'
Financial and Emotional Dynamics
Rollins described resuming their friendship in April 2023 after a period of no contact, noting, 'I felt that the complainant was leaning on me for a lot of emotional support. She wanted to do a lot of things with me that would cost money that I could not afford.' He insisted, 'I never coerced her into giving me any money.'
He admitted that owing money made him feel 'shameful and worthless' for not being able to provide for himself or others. Rollins revealed that he returned to gambling at one point to repay money given by Ms Busby, stating, 'I feel that the complainant would give me money that she knew I had to return. The only way I could do that was to gamble again.'
Denial of Physical and Coercive Behaviour
Rollins categorically denied any physical abuse, saying, 'I did not grab her, squeeze her or shake her shoulder. This is all fabricated by the complainant.' He added, 'I categorically deny coercive and controlling behaviour. The complainant willingly gave me money knowing that I was going through a hard financial period. I never made any demand of the complainant.'
Expressing his distress, Rollins concluded, 'I feel overwhelmed and upset that this relationship is trying to take everything away from me.'
Charges and Trial Status
Rollins, of Fareham, Hampshire, denies two charges of controlling and coercive behaviour, one count of damaging property, and three counts of fraud. The trial continues as the court examines the evidence and testimonies from all parties involved.
