Fifth officer loses job over misconduct at Charing Cross

A sergeant shown on BBC Panorama trivialising a rape allegation has been dismissed without notice.

An accelerated misconduct hearing was held on Tuesday, 28 October for Sgt Clayton Robinson, attached to Met Detention, following his behaviour broadcast on Wednesday, 1 October.

He will also be added to the Barred List held by the College of Policing to prevent him re-joining the police or being employed by other related bodies.

Commander Simon Messinger, Professionalism, said: “Sgt Robinson’s behaviour was appalling, questioning and mocking a victim-survivor of rape, and it is absolutely right he is dismissed and no longer part of our organisation.

“Today’s proceedings mean five officers have now lost their jobs for these appalling acts of misconduct at Charing Cross police station.

“The incontrovertible evidence has allowed us to rid the Met of these officers who have corrupted the integrity of our organisation at the very earlier opportunity.

“Further hearings are scheduled.”

The BBC Panorama broadcast on Wednesday, 1 October showed Sergeant Robinson, attached to Met Detention, trivialising a rape allegation while in conversation with another officer.

He questioned the victim-survivor’s account and mocked her ability to recall details. He joked the suspect description could be someone orange with green hair and then started singing an ‘Oompa Loompa’ song.

He was found to have breached standards of professional behaviour for authority, respect and courtesy, discreditable conduct, and equality and diversity.

Accelerated misconduct hearings in relation to the Panorama allegations for PC Sean Park, attached to Central West Command Unit, and Sergeant Lawrence Hume, attached to Met Detention, will be held on Friday, 7 November and for former PC Brian Sharkey, previously attached to Central West Command Unit before he retired, on Friday, 28 November.

A hearing for the final officer, Sgt Steve Stamp Sergeant, attached to Met Detention, will take place on a date to be set as it is no longer a fast-track hearing.