Met PCSO Found Guilty of Sexual Assault at North London Police Station
PCSO Edward Oniba has been convicted of sexual assault by touching following a jury trial at Harrow Crown Court on Monday, 13 March. The officer, attached to the North West Basic Command Unit, was sentenced to a 12-month community order and must complete 100 hours of unpaid work.
Chief Superintendent Condemns Oniba’s Conduct
Chief Superintendent Dan Knowles slammed Oniba’s behaviour as “absolutely appalling” and stressed it has “no place in the Met.”
“No one should be subject to sexual assault, especially in their place of 1. I would like to thank the victim for coming forward and speaking up about her colleague’s unacceptable behaviour. PCSO Oniba has been convicted and will now face the consequences.”
How the Assault Unfolded
The court heard that in October 2020, while on duty, Oniba made inappropriate comments to a female colleague in the gym at a North London police station. He hugged her and kissed her on the neck without her consent.
The victim reported the incident in March 2021. The Met’s Directorate of Professional Standards launched a criminal investigation and interviewed Oniba under caution in May 2021. He admitted to the hug but denied kissing the victim.
Ongoing Proceedings and Suspension
Oniba was charged via postal requisition on 20 April 2022. He remains suspended from duty while misconduct proceedings are arranged to take place “as soon as possible.”
