New Scotland Yard
(Picture: Metropolitan Police )A serving Met police officer has been convicted of soliciting a prostitute after a sting by his own colleagues in north London.
PC Tristan Downing, 38, was arrested during an operation in Edmonton targeting men who exploit sex workers.
He was charged in the early hours of Friday, January 14 and pleaded guilty at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Monday.
PC Downing, attached to the Central North Basic Command Unit, was fined £450 plus £85 court costs and £45 witness charge to be paid within 14 days.
The court heard the officer was off-duty at the time of his arrest and he wanted the court to know that he was very sorry and ashamed by his arrest
He is currently on restricted duties and misconduct proceedings will now take place, a force spokesman said.
Two inquiries are under way looking at the culture within the Met.
Commander Andy Carter, in charge of policing in Camden and Islington, added: “We expect the highest standards of behaviour from our officers both on, and off, duty and this officer’s actions fell way below these expectations.
“He was caught as the result of a proactive operation targeting those who exploit sex workers.
“The Met is committed to rooting out all officers who break the law or are involved in dishonest or disreputable behaviour.”
