Ex-Met Riot Instructor Threw Petrol Bombs Drunk – Would’ve Been Sacked On The Spot
Petrol Bomb Chaos at Police Training Centre
James Duthoit, a former Metropolitan Police riot instructor, sparked a petrol bomb fire during a drunken rampage at the Met’s public order training centre in Gravesend, Kent. The mayhem unfolded in 2022 after a five-week riot training course, leaving £10,000 worth of fire damage.
The disciplinary panel revealed Duthoit was drinking with colleagues before hurling Molotov cocktails around 2am, triggering a blaze. Thankfully, no one was injured, but the reckless stunt caused major alarm.
Denied Guilt, Claimed He Tried To Douse Fire
Duthoit denied launching petrol bombs, insisting at the hearing, “I feel I am being made a scapegoat, when all I did was try to put the fire out.” He admitted being “hugely tired” and drinking, but said he couldn’t remember setting off the petrol bombs.
In a previous statement, he added,
“If I thought the fire was out of control, I would have called the fire brigade. I had not anticipated such a consequence.”
Misconduct Panel Slams Duthoit for “Criminal Damage”
Commander Jason Prins, chairing the panel, slammed Duthoit’s defence and ruled his actions gross misconduct. Prins said:
“He tried to blame others for his wrongdoing. He was drunk, the damage caused was significant, and he was responsible for training future public order instructors. His behaviour amounted to criminal damage.”
Duthoit resigned before he could be sacked, but the panel made clear dismissal without notice would have been inevitable. He’s now barred from returning to police work, though he’ll still receive his pension.
High Standards, Hard Fall
The panel made it clear Duthoit’s conduct was a serious breach of trust, and a massive letdown for someone teaching riot control tactics. His reckless actions put others at risk and left a costly mess at a vital training facility.
