Three police officers have faced disciplinary action after accessing sensitive files related to the disappearance and murder of Sarah Everard without a legitimate policing purpose. Two of the officers were dismissed, while a third received a final written warning.
Dismissals and Sanctions
A gross misconduct panel, led by an independent chair, found that:
- PC Myles McHugh and former Detective Constable Hannah Rebbeck accessed police files for reasons unrelated to their duties. Both were dismissed from the force.
- Sergeant Mark Harper received a final written warning lasting three years.
While PC McHugh accessed files while off duty, former DC Rebbeck was found to have repeatedly accessed sensitive information with no valid reason.
Three additional officers—Detective Constable Tyrone Ward, former Inspector Akinwale Ajose-Adeogun, and former Detective Sergeant Robert Butters—were cleared after the panel concluded they had legitimate reasons for accessing the files.
Investigation into Misconduct
The investigation into inappropriate access began after Sarah Everard’s murder in March 2021. A dedicated task force from the Met’s Directorate of Professional Standards audited police systems to determine whether officers accessed files without a legitimate policing purpose.
A total of 104 officers and staff members were identified for potentially improper access. Outcomes included:
- Eight gross misconduct hearings
- Ten written warnings issued
- Sixteen reflective practice referrals
- Thirty-eight cases were resolved with reflective training
- Twenty-eight cases with no further action
The Met also held tailored training sessions to improve understanding of proper system usage for those with less severe breaches.
Response from the Metropolitan Police
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Stuart Cundy apologized to Sarah Everard’s family, acknowledging the added distress caused by these breaches. He stated:
“Police systems and sensitive information must only be accessed with a legitimate policing purpose. The panel has carefully considered each case and appropriately held individuals accountable.”
Broader Implications
This misconduct hearing underscores ongoing efforts within the Met to ensure high standards of conduct and accountability. Following the disciplinary outcomes, DAC Cundy emphasized the importance of integrity, adding:
“The most serious outcomes relate to individuals who were deliberately evasive or sought to avoid accountability—actions incompatible with Met values.”
This case highlights the Met’s commitment to ensuring the responsible handling of sensitive data while addressing breaches swiftly and decisively.
