Officer dismissed for sexual assault while off duty

A Met officer has been dismissed without notice after sexually assaulting a woman while off duty.

On 3 August 2022, PC Mark Thomas was off duty and working at a beauty clinic when he sexually assaulted a female client during a treatment.

A police investigation was carried out by Cambridgeshire Police. PC Thomas, based in Met Operations, was arrested as part of inquiries, but the evidential threshold was not met and the criminal investigation was closed.

Detective Chief Superintendent Simon Stancombe, Professional Standards, said: “PC Thomas’ actions were particularly disturbing given his attempts to use the beauty treatment as a cover to commit the offence. This must have been an awful experience for the victim, and I commend them for coming forward. We continue to go above and beyond to rid the organisation of those who corrupt our integrity.”

The panel concluded PC Thomas had breached the standards of professional behaviour in relation to authority, respect and courtesy, and discreditable conduct.

He will now be added to the Barred List held by the College of Policing. Those appearing on the list cannot be employed by police, local policing bodies, the Independent Office for Police Conduct or His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services.

+ Prior to the misconduct hearing PC Thomas also received reflective practice to consider his actions and learning for the future in relation to his failure to register the beauty clinic as a business interest.