The Metropolitan Police Commissioner, Sir Mark Rowley, publicly condemned the decision to grant bail to a convicted child sex offender who was allowed to return to a residence overlooking a children's playground, describing it as a failure of the criminal justice system to protect victims.

Zafer Dogan, 32, pleaded guilty to offenses involving the creation and possession of indecent images. Over a period, Dogan took thousands of photographs of individuals without their knowledge, some of which he digitally manipulated using software to create sexually explicit images, including by removing clothing from the subjects. Many of these photos were taken from the window of his council flat in Enfield, north London, which overlooked a playground frequented by children. Other evidence suggested Dogan had followed women and schoolchildren in the area.

Despite pleading guilty in early August, Dogan was granted bail before his sentencing hearing, allowing him to remain in the same flat where much of the offending had occurred. Prosecutors opposed bail on three occasions, supported by risk assessments from the Metropolitan Police, but the courts ultimately allowed the bail. Dogan was sentenced at Wood Green Crown Court to two years and four months in prison.

In an uncommon move, Sir Mark attended the sentencing hearing and made a statement outside the court, expressing his frustration with the justice system. He criticized the system for prioritizing the rights of offenders over the safety of victims, particularly children. He suggested that pressures to reduce prison remand populations have resulted in dangerous and prolific offenders being routinely granted bail despite clear objections from law enforcement and prosecutors.

Sir Mark highlighted that the bail decision forced a victim and their family to relocate to temporary accommodation due to fear of living near Dogan. He described such outcomes as deeply distressing for both victims and communities and warned the situation undermines public confidence in the justice process.

In addition to criticism of the courts, Sir Mark called on companies developing artificial intelligence technology to take greater responsibility in preventing their tools from being exploited to facilitate sexual offenses. He described the misuse of AI in this context as "grossly irresponsible."

The government responded by reaffirming that bail should only be granted when necessary and proportionate, with consideration for the protection of victims, witnesses, and the public during ongoing investigations and court proceedings. A spokesman acknowledged the seriousness of the crimes and extended condolences to the victim and their family.