A Metropolitan Police officer accused of rape has won a High Court judicial review against his dismissal, in a ruling that could undermine the force’s efforts to remove hundreds of officers with questionable conduct records.
High Court Overturns Dismissal of Sergeant Lino Di Maria
The case revolves around Sergeant Lino Di Maria, who was stripped of his warrant card in September 2023 under the Met’s Operation Assure, a system introduced by Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley to remove officers with serious allegations against them by revoking their vetting clearance.
Despite facing multiple allegations, including:
- Two sexual assaults and rapes in public car parks (December 2018)
- A rape and indecent exposure claim (2015)
- Sending inappropriate messages to colleagues (2019)
- Alleged inappropriate behavior at work (2021)
- Further domestic abuse accusations by an ex-partner (2022)
Sgt Di Maria has denied all allegations, and none have been proven in court. His legal challenge, backed by the Met Police Federation, argued that the removal of his vetting was unlawful and violated his right to a fair trial.
Impact on Met’s Efforts to Remove ‘Predators’
This landmark ruling has cast doubt on the Met’s ability to remove officers accused of misconduct without criminal convictions.
Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley, who previously described Sgt Di Maria’s background as “ghastly”, is expected to make a formal statement following the judgment.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan called the ruling “deeply concerning”, warning that it “has significant implications for the work the Met is now doing to clean up the force”.
Officers Dismissed Under Operation Assure May Return
The ruling could mean that:
- Over 100 officers dismissed under Operation Assure may be reinstated and claim back pay.
- Some officers accused of sexual and domestic abuse—but never convicted—could return to uniform.
- One officer arrested in the US for allegedly trying to groom a 13-year-old girl could also benefit from the decision.
Public and Political Outrage Over Decision
Critics argue that the judgment undermines public trust in the Met Police’s efforts to root out bad officers, especially following high-profile scandals, including the murder of Sarah Everard by PC Wayne Couzens and the convictions of serial rapist PC David Carrick.
The Metropolitan Police has not yet confirmed whether it will appeal the ruling, but Rowley’s leadership now faces serious scrutiny over the force’s ability to protect the public while ensuring fair treatment of accused officers.
This is a developing story, and further updates will follow as the situation unfolds.
