A Metropolitan Police officer has been sacked after a misconduct panel concluded he “groped her bare bottom on a number of occasions” with a 12-year-old girl. According to the Met Police, the panel found that Ross Benson was accused of hitting the child between April and August 2018.

The force added that the child knew Benson, and that incidents that occurred while he was off duty were found to have a sexual element.

After a disciplinary hearing, Benson was fired without notice and placed on the College of Policing’s banned list. The BBC Reported

Benson had served in the North West Basic Command unit in London.

In November 2020, Bedfordshire Police arrested Benson on suspicion of sexual assault, but by September 2021, he was told no further action would be taken. Bedfordshire Police then referred the case to the Met’s Directorate of Professional Standards, which launched a misconduct investigation. The investigation concluded Friday, finding that Benson had committed gross misconduct, violating the professional standards expected of police officers.

Detective Superintendent Will Laxton-Jones told the media outlet: “My thoughts are with the victim, who showed great courage in coming forward. PC Benson’s appalling behavior resulted in his immediate dismissal, a decision I Fully support. A clear message that we are committed to removing those who fail to maintain the high standards of our officers.”

Metropolitan Police officer sacked for sexually harassing 12-year-old girl (T) Ross Benson



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