Met Police officer accused of 'sexual communication with under 16 girls' has name withheld

ANOTHER Met Police officer accused of sexual misconduct has had his name withheld.

The man referred to only as Officer X will answer allegations that, while acting as a jujitsu instructor, he made inappropriate remarks of a sexual nature to two female students aged under 16.

A public notice published ahead of the hearing, due to take place in London, from September 8 to 11, states: "It is alleged that between 2008 and 2013, whilst volunteering as a jujitsu instructor, Officer X made inappropriate remarks of a sexual nature to one of his female students. He is also alleged to have sent this student a number of sexually inappropriate texts. At the time of these alleged incidents the student was between 13 and 16.

"Additionally, it is alleged that Officer X made sexually inappropriate comments to another female student in 2012. At the time of these alleged comments the female student was 15.

"It is further alleged that this conduct amounts to gross misconduct, namely a breach of the standards of professional behaviour that, if proved, is so serious that his dismissal would be justified."

Chairs of police misconduct panels can withhold the names of officers in certain circumstances, if their mental health is at risk, to prevent the identification of witnesses, or to prevent prejudice to future criminal proceedings.

There have been several recent cases where officers accused of sexual misconduct have had their names hidden.

It is understood that in this case it relates to health and safety concerns.

A Met Police spokesperson said: "It is worth noting though that if the misconduct is proven then his anonymity will be removed and his name will be published."