EXCLUSIVE: Former Met female officer who took drugs and shoplifted was victim of domestic abuse from another cop

A former police officer who admitted using illegal drugs and shoplifting had been a victim of domestic abuse, it has emerged.

A misconduct hearing in April 2024 concluded that the former Met Police officer would have been dismissed if she had still been serving.

Assistant Commissioner Barbara Gray heard the former officer was interviewed as part of an unrelated investigation in 2022. During the interview, the former officer - who resigned ahead of the misconduct hearing - confessed to engaging in cocaine use and theft by means of shoplifting.

Her mobile phone was downloaded as part of the investigation. The investigating officer discovered three videos in relation to the former officer engaging in drug usage, as well as messages alluding to theft.

After hearing all the evidence, AC Gray concluded the former officer’s behaviour amounted to a breach of the standards of professional behaviour for discreditable conduct at the level of gross misconduct.

Commander Seb Adjei-Addoh, in charge of policing in AS BCU, said: "Officers who break the law cannot remain in the police force.

"The behaviour of this officer is shocking and it is right that she would have been dismissed and will never be able to work for the police again."

The former officer was added to 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.

The former officer has now told Essex News and Investigations that the misconduct came to light during an investigation into allegations of domestic abuse against her by a former male partner who was also a police officer.

He later admitted an assault against her and was jailed before her misconduct case went ahead.

She said: "At the time of these events I was a serving police officer and also the victim of a serious domestic assault, for which the offender - my ex-partner - was convicted and sentenced to prison.

"During his trial, he accused me of the offences mentioned as part of his defence which left the Metropolitan Police Service with no choice but to investigate. I then made the decision to leave the police force.

"It was an incredibly difficult time for me."