Outcome of Police Appeals Tribunal

The independent Police Appeals Tribunal (PAT) has today quashed the dismissal of two Met officers.

PC Jonathan Clapham and PC Sam Franks were dismissed last October after a misconduct panel concluded they had lied about smelling cannabis when stopping a vehicle in Lanhill Road, W9.

The PAT upheld the officers’ appeal and concluded they should be reinstated. The panel chair found that the officers were ‘dedicated, hard-working and much-respected’, that they did not lie and that their reputations had been ‘ruined’ by the original findings’.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Jon Savell said: “We know this has been an overly lengthy and horrendous process for PC Clapham and PC Franks, as well as their families and colleagues. The original, independently chaired panel found the officers were dishonest, which the PAT has now overturned as irrational.

“We also recognise the impact this case has had on all involved, and have previously apologised to Mr Dos Santos and Ms Williams for the distress caused during this incident. Ultimately, the evidence has shown that the stop and search and the actions of the officers did not amount to misconduct. However, stop and search is most effective when used with the trust and confidence of Londoners.

“The upcoming launch of our new stop and search charter, co-written by Londoners, is helping us greatly with this work.”