Overview
- A tribunal ruled former PC Brian Sharkey’s comments breached standards on authority, respect and courtesy, discreditable conduct, and equality and diversity.
- Footage recorded by a BBC Panorama undercover journalist captured Sharkey saying, “If you are going to get accused of it you might as well f****** do it,” which the panel said risked undermining public confidence.
- Sharkey, who retired from the Met in May 2025, told the hearing he meant the remarks as a joke, apologised, and said he regretted them.
- The Met said these proceedings conclude eight accelerated misconduct hearings arising from the Panorama probe, with seven serving officers dismissed and placed on the barred list.
- The IOPC has widened its investigations, with a PC due at a misconduct hearing on 1 April over alleged comments on use of force and two officers under criminal investigation, including a suspended sergeant on bail.