PC Jonathan Lee, a Metropolitan Police officer attached to the West Area Command Unit, has been dismissed from duty after an investigation by the Met’s professional standards team. The dismissal comes in response to an allegation of sexual assault made against him.

The misconduct hearing, held on Tuesday, June 25, found that PC Lee breached the standards of professional behaviour with regard to discreditable conduct. As a result, he will be placed on the College of Policing barred list, preventing him from serving as a police officer or in related roles in the future.

The incident in question occurred while PC Lee was off duty and socializing with colleagues on June 25, 2019. A woman reported that he sexually assaulted her, prompting a criminal investigation. However, on November 10, 2022, Isleworth Crown Court found PC Lee not guilty of one count of sexual assault following a two-day trial.

Despite the court’s verdict, officers from the Met’s Directorate of Professional Standards submitted a report to senior officers, indicating that PC Lee had a case to answer for gross misconduct. After carefully considering all evidence, an independent panel led by a legally qualified chair determined that PC Lee should be dismissed without notice.

Chief Superintendent Sean Wilson of the West Area Command Unit expressed concern over the incident, stating, “I know the public will be concerned to hear of another officer dismissed for misconduct of a sexual nature. The Commissioner has made it crystal clear that we are working hard to root out officers whose actions erode public trust in us. It is right that PC Lee has been dismissed.”

Throughout the process, PC Lee was on restricted duties. The Metropolitan Police continues its commitment to maintaining public trust and accountability within its ranks.