Met Police Officers Sacked Over Cannabis Stop-and-Search Scandal
Two Met officers have been fired without notice after a six-week misconduct hearing found they lied about smelling cannabis during a July 2020 stop-and-search involving Bianca Williams and her partner Mr. dos Santos in central London.
Chaotic Maida Vale Chase Sparked Controversy
The incident unfolded when Territorial Support Group officers spotted a car driving erratically with tinted windows in Maida Vale amid a spike in violent crime. The vehicle reportedly sped off as police gave chase, with claims of an unauthorised pursuit and the car being boxed in—though these allegations were never proven.
Inside the car were Ms. Williams, her partner, and their 11-month-old baby. Williams filmed the dramatic stop, uploading footage that quickly went viral, stirring public outrage over the officers’ conduct.
Force Defends Stop-and-Search, Officers Deny Wrongdoing
The Met insisted the stop was lawful, citing the driver’s dangerous behaviour, attempt to flee, and refusal to leave the vehicle. While allegations of excessive force during Mr. dos Santos’ arrest were investigated, they were ultimately unproven.
Rick Prior, vice chairman of the Metropolitan Police Federation, voiced staunch support for the dismissed officers on X. He revealed plans to appeal the “extremely disappointing” decision and slammed the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) for a “highly misleading” and politically influenced statement.
Public Support Grows for Dismissed Officers
A JustGiving page for the sacked officers, PC Jonathan Clapham and PC Sam Franks, has raised nearly £50,000 to help their families cope financially after their abrupt dismissal. The page’s creator called attention to the urgent need for support given the serious personal and financial consequences they’ve now faced.
