Misconduct panel finds former officer had breached the professional standards of behaviour

A gross misconduct hearing has found that a former Met officer would have been dismissed without notice were he still in post.

Former Sergeant Anish Sharma, who was based on the West Area Command, 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. A hearing which concluded on Friday, 27 October found that he had breached them all.

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.”

On 30 July, 2021 Sharma attended a party in the Thames Valley area. Whilst 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.

On 31 July, 2021 Sharma was arrested by officers from Thames Valley Police on suspicion of sexual assault by touching. He was placed on restricted duties. The criminal investigation was later closed with no further action and a gross misconduct hearing arranged. On 3 April, 2023 Sharma resigned from the Met.

Following the outcome last week, Sharma will now be 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 Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services.