Former officer who ‘inappropriately touched woman’ would have been dismissed
A former Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) officer who “inappropriately touched a woman” and then exposed himself to her would have been dismissed without notice were he still in post.
At a gross misconduct hearing on Friday (October 27) former Sergeant Anish Sharma faced allegations that he had breached the professional standards of behaviour with regards to honestly and integrity, discreditable conduct, equality and diversity, and authority, respect and courtesy.
The disciplinary panel found that he had breached them all. He will now be added to the College of Policing barred list.
On July 30, 2021, Sharma, who was based on the MPS West Area Command, had attended a party in the Thames Valley area.
While in the garden, he inappropriately touched a woman without her consent by putting his hand on her thigh. He then exposed himself to her. The woman told a third party, who relayed this information back to Sharma.
This individual and Sharma subsequently engaged in communication, some of which was deleted by Sharma, prior to his arrest and subsequent interview, said the MPS.
On July 31, 2021, Sharma was arrested by officers from Thames Valley Police on suspicion of sexual assault by touching.
He was suspended from duty. The criminal investigation was later closed with no further action and a gross misconduct hearing arranged. On April 3 this year Sharma resigned from the force.
Chief Superintendent Sean Wilson, in charge of policing for West Area, said: “Sharma’s actions were both appalling and cowardly.
“Following his completely inappropriate behaviour, he then engaged in improper communications with a third party, before deleting a number of messages prior to his arrest and subsequent interview.
“Clearly he has shown himself to be someone who falls well below the standards we expect from our officers and staff, and the panel have made the right decision to ensure he will never work in policing again.”