Ex-Met PC found guilty of gross misconduct over rape and assault remarks

"Former PC Brian Sharkey, who was attached to Central West Command Unit before he retired, made remarks that showed a "clear lack of empathy towards victims of sexual assault and rape". He also made unprofessional and discriminatory comments about members of the public. He was found to have breached standards of professional behaviour in relation to authority, respect and courtesy, discreditable conduct, and equality and diversity."

"As a former officer, the only sanction available was that he would have been dismissed had he still been serving. However, having heard all the circumstances of the case, including representations from former PC Sharkey, the chair of the hearing did not impose this sanction. The proceedings on Friday, 13 February, brought to a conclusion eight accelerated misconduct hearings scheduled following appalling behaviour demonstrated by a number of officers on BBC Panorama in October. Seven serving officers have been dismissed,"

"Commander Simon Messinger, Professionalism, said: "The actions of those featured in the programme have a clear impact on the trust and confidence the public have in us to act with integrity and professionalism and keep people safe while in our care. It is absolutely right these officers are no longer in the Met. "Their dismissals come in the context of the Met's wider and determined efforts to raise standards, which has seen more than 1,400 officers a"

Former PC Brian Sharkey was found guilty of gross misconduct for making unacceptable comments about rape victims and members of the public. He showed a clear lack of empathy towards victims of sexual assault and rape and made unprofessional, discriminatory remarks. Investigators found breaches of professional behaviour standards covering authority, respect and courtesy, discreditable conduct, and equality and diversity. As a former officer, dismissal was the only available sanction but the chair did not impose it after considering representations and circumstances. Eight accelerated misconduct hearings concluded, with seven serving officers dismissed and further related findings against other former officers.

Read at www.standard.co.uk