Sixth Charing Cross officer dismissed following Panorama broadcast

A sergeant shown on BBC Panorama saying a detainee deserved to be “beaten up” has been dismissed without notice.

An accelerated misconduct hearing on Friday, 7 November found one of three allegations proven against Sgt Lawrence Hume, attached to Met Detention.

The hearing concluded that Sgt Hume breached standards of professional behaviour for discreditable conduct and authority, respect and courtesy for his comments at Charing Cross police station. He will 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 Messenger, Professionalism, said: “As an officer in a leadership role Sgt Hume should have been setting an example to more junior colleagues. Instead he demonstrated a blatant disregard for the protection of the public and the professional standards expected of a serving police officer.

“It is right he has been dismissed as we work tirelessly to raise standards and improve the culture across our organisation.”

The hearing found allegations not proven that Sgt Hume supported and echoed comments made by Sgt Joseph McIlvenny, who has since been dismissed, warning against discussing use of force in front of custody suite cameras. He was also cleared of allegations he failed to challenge or report Sgt McIlvenny’s comments about using force on a detainee.

Six officers have now been dismissed for their appalling behaviour at Charing Cross, as shown on BBC Panorama on Wednesday, 1 October.

Accelerated misconduct hearings for PC Sean Park, attached to Central West Command Unit, and for former PC Brian Sharkey, previously attached to Central West Command Unit before he retired, will be held later this month.

A hearing for the final officer, Sgt Steve Stamp, attached to Met Detention, will take place on a date to be set.

An investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct into all the allegations at Charing Cross continues.