UK: Ex cop of Indian origin found guilty of misconduct, barred from policing

A FORMER Scotland Yard sergeant would have been dismissed without notice were he still serving in his post after being found to have violated professional standards with "inappropriate behaviour" as a police office, a gross misconduct hearing has learnt. He has now been barred from further policing in the UK.

Anish Sharma, a former Metropolitan Police sergeant who was based on the West Area Command of the force in the British capital, has been accused of flouting the professional standards of behaviour in connection to honesty and integrity, discreditable conduct equality and diversity and authority, respect and courtesy.

A hearing on October 27 concluded that he had breached standards under all the stated categories.

“Sharma’s actions were both appalling and cowardly. Following his completely inappropriate behaviour, he then engaged in improper communications with a third party, before deleting a number of messages prior to his arrest and subsequent interview,” said Chief Superintendent Sean Wilson, in charge of policing for the West Area Command.

“Clearly he has shown himself to be someone who falls well below the standards we expect from our officers and staff, and the panel have made the right decision to ensure he will never work in policing again,” he said.

According to the Met Police, on July 30, 2021, Sharma attended a party in the Thames Valley area.

“Whilst in the garden, he inappropriately touched a woman without her consent by putting his hand on her thigh. He then exposed himself to her. The woman told a third party, who relayed this information back to Sharma. This individual and Sharma subsequently engaged in communication, some of which was deleted by Sharma, prior to his arrest and subsequent interview,” the police statement said.

On July 31, 2021, Sharma was arrested by officers from Thames Valley Police on suspicion of sexual assault by touching and he was suspended from duty.

The criminal investigation was later closed with no further action and a gross misconduct hearing was arranged. On April 3 this year, Sharma resigned from the Met Police.

Following this week’s hearing outcome, Sharma will now be added to the Barred List held by the UK’s College of Policing. Those appearing on the list cannot be employed by police, local policing bodies (PCCs), the Independent Office for Police Conduct or Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services.

(With PTI inputs)