A police officer from the Metropolitan Police, who was filmed appearing to enjoy using force in a BBC Panorama program, has been fired. During an accelerated misconduct hearing in south London, it was revealed that Pc Jason Sinclair-Birt from Charing Cross police station bragged to a colleague about hitting a detainee’s legs but did not actually use excessive force or draw his baton. The officer claimed he exaggerated the incident for comedic effect.
Commander Jason Prins, the chairman, determined that the officer’s behavior constituted gross misconduct, leading to his immediate dismissal. Three other officers from Charing Cross police station, Pc Philip Neilson, Pc Martin Borg, and Sergeant Joe McIlvenny, were also dismissed for gross misconduct following their actions shown in the BBC Panorama program.
During the hearing, it was highlighted that Pc Sinclair-Birt was allegedly boasting about using excessive force on a detainee, including hitting the detainee’s legs. Although the officer denied gross misconduct, the hearing revealed details of his conversation with a colleague where he described the incident in a seemingly proud and jovial manner.
Footage of the incident in question was presented during the hearing, showing the suspect assaulting Pc Sinclair-Birt by headbutting him. The suspect was subsequently convicted of assaulting an emergency worker. It was clarified that Pc Sinclair-Birt used lawful force and did not resort to using his baton during the encounter.
While the officer claimed his remarks were meant as jokes among colleagues, it was emphasized that he seemed to glorify and revel in the use of force. Pc Sinclair-Birt clarified that he did not intend for his conversation to be taken seriously.