The Metropolitan Police have charged a man for wasting police time after they received reports that a car had been stolen with a child inside.
The incident happened on 20th August with the mainstream media assisting the police by running stories about the event.
Social media also became awash with appeals to try and track down the vehicle and the child.
A spokesperson for the Met Police confirmed that Jamal Thomas, 23, of South Street in Romford, appeared via videolink at Barkingside Magistrates’ Court on 21st August.
The car had been reported as being stolen from Beckton Triangle E6 at 12:18 hours on 20th August.
The vehicle was later found, and the child concerned was located safe and well elsewhere.
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