A Met Police officer has been sacked for assaulting a child by repeatedly spanking her bare bottom.
PC Ross Benson was found guilty of gross misconduct and dismissed without notice after a hearing on Friday.
The panel heard that between April and August 2018, Benson spanked a girl aged 12-13 in a sexual manner. The child was known to him, and the incidents occurred while he was off-duty.
Benson was arrested by Bedfordshire Police in November 2020 on suspicion of sexual assault. No further action was taken, but the Met's Professional Standards department launched an investigation.
PC Benson has been dismissed without notice. He was part of the Met’s North West Basic Command Unit which covers Barnet, Brent and Harrow.
Detective Superintendent Will Lexton-Jones, the acting the North West Basic Command Unit Commander, said: “My thoughts are first and foremost with the victim who displayed courage in reporting this. PC Benson’s abhorrent behaviour has led to his immediate dismissal, which is a decision I fully support. “I hope this outcome demonstrates how we are rooting out those who do not demonstrate the high standards we demand from our officers.”
Following the hearing PC Benson will now be placed on the barred list held by the College of Policing. Those appearing on the list cannot be employed by police, local policing bodies (PCCs), the Independent Office for Police Conduct or His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services.
