Cop Axed for Exploiting Underage Child
A senior officer from East Area Command Unit has been fired after a gross misconduct hearing revealed shocking abuse of a child under the age of consent.
Brutal Breach of Trust
The panel found Officer A guilty of multiple breaches of police standards, including discreditable conduct, failing duties and responsibilities, and lacking honesty and integrity.
Chief Superintendent Stuart Bell slammed the officer’s actions:
“This officer betrayed their role as a police officer and their oath to uphold the law by exploiting and abusing a child, who was below the age of consent. There is absolutely no place for officers like this in the Met. We are determined to root out officers who are not fit to wear the uniform and serve the public.”
How It Unfolded
- Serious sexual assault allegations surfaced in September 2019.
- A full criminal probe by specialist officers launched immediately.
- Officer A was suspended and arrested but later cleared for criminal prosecution by the CPS.
- The victim’s appeal to review the CPS decision failed.
- The Met’s Directorate of Professional Standards pressed ahead with misconduct proceedings.
The hearing uncovered that Officer A contacted Child A over social media in mid-August 2019. Sexual activity took place between 16 and 27 August. Officer A also let the runaway child stay at their home without notifying police or social services.
Shockingly, Officer A requested Child A, listed as a missing person, to attend Romford police station to meet them without disclosing their relationship. No formal records were made. Later, the officer handed Child A over to social services.
Justice Served
After considering all evidence, the independent panel dismissed Officer A without notice. The rogue cop will be placed on the College of Policing’s Barred List, banning them from any future roles in police forces, local policing bodies, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, or Fire and Rescue services.
