"His actions were a betrayal of our policing values."
Met Police officer Archit Sharma has been jailed for 16 months after he sexually assaulted a colleague while they were both on duty.
Scotland Yard received an allegation on December 7, 2020, that Sharma had sexually assaulted a female officer while they were both on duty at the Southgate Police Station.
The 26-year-old was working in the North Area Basic Command Unit in Enfield at the time.
Following an investigation, Sharma was charged with sexual assault on July 28, 2021.
He was convicted on March 6, 2023, at Wood Green Crown Court.
Sharma only resigned from the Met Police two years after the initial allegation was mad
Sharma also faced a misconduct hearing where he was found to have breached ‘Standards of Professional Behaviour in relation to Authority, Respect and Courtesy, and Discreditable Conduct’.
According to the panel, Sharma would have been sacked if he had not resigned.
He has also been added to the Barred List held by the College of Policing, meaning he will not be eligible to rejoin the police or the fire service as well as a host of police-related bodies.
Detective Chief Superintendent Caroline Haines, responsible for local policing in Enfield and Haringey, said:
“Former PC Sharma’s behaviour was abhorrent. His actions were a betrayal of our policing values.
“I hope that this outcome highlights how seriously we take reports of sexual offences, no matter who the perpetrator.
“Following his conviction, we began proceedings for an accelerated case hearing which has upheld the allegations of misconduct.”
Usha Shergill, Crown Advocate for CPS London’s Complex Casework Unit said:
“As a police officer, Sharma was expected to adhere to the strictest standards of behaviour and professional conduct in both the workplace and public.
“The incident has made the victim feel very anxious and scared.
“I would like to thank the victim for bravely reporting the matter and helping us to bring Sharma to justice.”
“The Crown Prosecution Service will not hesitate to prosecute serious sexual offences where there is the evidence to do so and bring offenders to justice.”
As well as the 16-month prison sentence, Sharma also had to sign the Sex Offenders Register for 10 years.
He was also handed a restraining order which prevents him from contacting his victim for a decade.
Wood Green Crown Court also ordered Sharma to pay a victim surcharge of £156 when he was jailed.
He is the latest in a line of Met Police officers to have been convicted of sex offences.
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