How do I best find a reference number for ex h being convicted and sent to prison in the UK in the early 90s?

[Nighbynight]

I am not sure even which court convicted him, as it was before I met him. It was in central London though.
Is there a central database that I could ask?

does anyone have any idea (before I start blindly phoning tomorrow morning)?

I don't think you can find this out - this sort of info is confidential and if it was a fairly minor conviction could well be considered "spent" by now.

What do you think he did and why do you want to know? Trawling through local newspapers might be your best bet

Local papers would normally be a good idea but central London might be tricky - you could try the Evening Standard. If you can work out which borough you can find out the relevant title - Ham and High, Camden Journal, whatever.

Nighbynight's ex has abducted their dc in the past, has been violent towards her etc etc etc

ring the london met, see what they have to say about it. They're usually very sympathetic.

If it was a police caution tho, it wont be on record anymore they're meant to remove it after five years are up...

thank you for replies - 3 phone calls today, and I got an email address for the records office of the met police.
the info is in the public domain, and there is no time limit - it is not the same as a CRB check.

great stuff, hope you get the info you need to sort stuff out for you all x