Police Officer Axed for Using Warrant Card to Hit on Jogger
PC Imran Aftab, a central London officer, has been sacked after a damning judicial review exposed his gross misconduct. An independent panel had earlier found him guilty but only handed him a final written warning, sparking outrage from British Transport Police (BTP).
Judicial Review Overturns Panel’s Leniency
The initial misconduct hearing in May 2021 cleared PC Aftab of dismissal despite serious allegations. However, BTP challenged the verdict at the High Court, insisting the punishment was far too soft. The judge agreed, calling the panel’s decision “irrational” and formally dismissed Aftab from the force.
Shocking Details of the Incident
- On 15 April 2020, the off-duty officer parked his car and approached a lone woman jogging.
- He flashed his police warrant card to impress her, abusing his authority for sexual gain.
- He told her she “looked too curvy to be Asian” — a prejudiced and bizarre comment.
- Before leaving, he asked the woman for a hug, breaking social distancing rules and making her uncomfortable.
- The victim even texted a friend saying “help me” during the encounter.
Chief Constable Hits Back
Chief Constable Lucy D’Orsi condemned Aftab’s actions as a “total abuse of police powers” and praised the High Court ruling. She said:
“There is no place for anyone like Imran Aftab in policing. Using a warrant card to influence a lone woman for an officer’s sexual gain is unforgivable and seriously undermines public confidence.”
She added that the force will be relentless in rooting out officers who betray their position of trust, stressing this case highlights the ongoing national concern over male officers’ conduct towards women.
Judge: One Clear Outcome for Aftab’s Actions
The judge dismissed Aftab’s attempt to blame “the times we live in” and slammed his “prejudiced racial stereotyping and sexualised language.” He declared:
“These troubling features of his behaviour have been the undoing of his police career.”
PC Aftab is now officially out and barred from ever working for British Transport Police again.
