Officer Fired for Misconduct Involving Child’s Bare Bottom Spanking
A police officer has been dismissed from duty after a misconduct hearing revealed that he had allegedly assaulted a child by spanking her bare bottom. PC Ross Benson, who served in the North West Basic Command Unit of the Metropolitan Police covering Brent, Barnet, and Harrow, was found guilty of gross misconduct at a hearing on September 27. The misconduct panel determined that PC Benson had breached professional behavior standards and subsequently dismissed him without notice.
The independent panel heard disturbing details that PC Benson had spanked a girl, aged between 12 and 13 at the time, on multiple occasions between April and August 2018. Furthermore, there were allegations of a sexual element associated with these spankings, adding a deeply concerning layer to the misconduct. The incidents occurred while PC Benson was off-duty, and the girl was reportedly known to him.
Investigation and Consequences
PC Benson faced legal consequences when he was arrested by Bedfordshire Police in November 2020 on suspicion of sexual assault. However, in September 2021, he was informed that no further action would be taken in that particular case. Subsequently, Bedfordshire Police reached out to the Met’s Directorate of Professional Standards, prompting a thorough misconduct investigation into the officer’s conduct.
Detective Superintendent Will Lexton-Jones, the acting North West Basic Command Unit Commander for the Met Police, expressed his support for the victim and highlighted the courage displayed in reporting the incident. He condemned PC Benson’s behavior as abhorrent, leading to the officer’s immediate dismissal. The decision to dismiss PC Benson was fully endorsed by Superintendent Lexton-Jones, emphasizing the high standards expected from all officers within the police force.
Rooting Out Misconduct
The dismissal of PC Benson serves as a clear message that misconduct will not be tolerated within the police force. By taking swift and decisive action against officers who fail to uphold the standards of professionalism and integrity, the Met Police aims to maintain public trust and accountability. Superintendent Lexton-Jones hopes that this outcome will demonstrate the commitment to rooting out individuals who do not meet the stringent expectations placed on law enforcement officers.
In the aftermath of his dismissal, PC Benson will be placed on the barred list maintained by the College of Policing. This list prohibits him from seeking employment with any police force, local policing bodies (PCCs), the Independent Office for Police Conduct, or His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services. The inclusion of PC Benson on this list underscores the severity of his misconduct and the lasting consequences it carries for his career in law enforcement.
Conclusion
The case of PC Ross Benson highlights the critical importance of upholding professional standards and ethical conduct within law enforcement. The dismissal of an officer for misconduct involving a child is a stark reminder of the trust placed in police officers to protect and serve the community, especially the most vulnerable members. By holding officers accountable for their actions and enforcing strict consequences for misconduct, the Met Police reaffirms its commitment to maintaining public trust and integrity within the force.