London PC Sacked For Gross Misconduct

A MET officer has been dismissed for gross misconduct in relation to authority, respect and courtesy and discreditable conduct.

A police statement read:

On 19 March 2012 colleagues of PC Kevin Hughes, who was based on a tasking team in Newham, brought his behaviour and that of a second officer to the attention of the senior management.

The matter was voluntarily referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) who conducted an independent investigation. Both officers were subsequently summonsed for racially aggravated offences under Section 5 of the Public Order Act and found not guilty on 29 November at Westminster Magistrates' Court.

Following a misconduct hearing that concluded yesterday, PC Hughes has been dismissed and the second officer has received a final written warning.

Commander Allan Gibson, MPS, Directorate of Professional Standards said:

"As soon as the actions of these officers were brought to the attention of the Directorate of Professional Standards the matter was voluntarily referred to the IPCC.

"The Commissioner has made it quite clear that racism is not acceptable within the Met, this is a view supported by the majority of officers and staff, which has been demonstrated by those who were prepared to challenge PC Hughes.

"The public have an absolute right to expect that officers serving with the MPS treat them and their colleagues with respect and courtesy and that they do not hold discriminatory opinions.

"PC Hughes has now been dismissed from the Metropolitan Police Service."

Although the case against the second officer was found proven the panel took into account the opinion of a witness that the second officer did not intend to cause offence and he was issued with a final written warning.