Ex-PC Brian Sharkey Found Guilty of Gross Misconduct Over Shocking Rape Victim Remarks
Former Officer Shows Heinous Disregard for Sexual Assault Victims
Brian Sharkey, once a cop at Charing Cross and part of the Central West Command Unit, was slammed for cold and discriminatory comments about rape and sexual assault victims. His disgusting behaviour exposed a startling lack of empathy and blatant disrespect for the public.
Sharkey breached multiple professional standards including respect, courtesy, equality, and discreditable conduct.
Since Sharkey has retired, dismissal wasn’t possible. However, a misconduct panel confirmed he would have been sacked if still active. Despite this, the hearing chair chose not to formally dismiss him after weighing the circumstances.
Panorama Fallout: Seven Cops Fired, Sharkey’s Case Closed
This ruling wraps up one of eight fast-tracked misconduct cases following the explosive BBC Panorama exposé in October.
- Seven serving officers axed for their appalling actions.
- Sharkey now joins the growing list held to account.
- In Gloucestershire, a former Met officer resigned before he could be sacked for backing excessive force.
Met Pledges Clean-Up After Panorama Shame
“The actions of those featured in the programme have a clear impact on public trust in us,” said Commander Simon Messinger, Professionalism. “It is absolutely right these officers are no longer in the Met. This comes amid wider efforts to raise standards – more than 1,400 officers and staff have left in three years. We are backing the IOPC investigation and moving fast to tackle the toxic culture that allowed such abhorrent views. This will help the good officers flourish while rooting out those unfit for the job.”
All officers involved, except Sharkey, are barred from police work by the College of Policing’s Barred List.
More Misconduct Investigations Underway
The Met’s problems aren’t over:
- A PC from Central West faces a misconduct hearing on April 1 over inappropriate use-of-force comments and is currently suspended.
- Two officers are under criminal investigation – a dismissed former PC from Central West, and a Sergeant arrested for allegedly perverting justice related to Charing Cross cases.
- Two more Central West PCs are suspended amid gross misconduct probes over offensive remarks, including one targeting a female member of the public.
- A Sergeant is suspended for alleged sexualised comments about women and failing to challenge junior officers’ misconduct.
The IOPC probe continues into a Met Detention Sergeant featured in Panorama, who remains suspended and under gross misconduct review.
Since Panorama’s explosive reveal, the Met scrapped the Charing Cross custody team and shook up local leadership. They’re overhauling training and enforcing regular staff rotations to root out the rotten culture for good.
