Politics
Rape suspect cleared to be cop arrested as Met Police faces yet another vetting scandal
A RAPE suspect cleared to be a cop has been arrested amid allegations of sexual assault.
The vetting scandal is the latest to hit the Met Police.
PAMet boss Dame Cressida Dick faced uproar over the rape and murder of Sarah Everard by cop Wayne Couzens[/caption]
The force, led by Dame Cressida Dick, faced uproar over the rape and murder of Sarah Everard by firearms cop Wayne Couzens.
He was allowed to serve despite being flagged as a suspected flasher.
The married PC at the centre of the new vetting outrage is now being investigated over sexual assault, coercive and controlling behaviour and harassment allegations.
It is understood they were made by a female colleague.
Former Met commander John O’Connor said: “The Met may claim they were following guidelines but to allow someone like that in shows a total lack of common sense and leadership.”
The South London-based officer, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was arrested by the Met’s Professional Standards department in July 2020.
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He has been on restricted duties ever since.
The case was initially referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct.
No charges have been brought and the officer remains under investigation.
The man was arrested and charged with rape in the early 2000s after leaving a neighbouring force under a cloud, but is believed to have been acquitted.
Soon after he applied to join Scotland Yard — and was hired.
A Met spokeswoman said: “All applicants are subject to a thorough and wide-ranging process. Involvement in any criminal investigation must be declared as part of the vetting process.
“That does not necessarily prevent an applicant from passing the national standards to be able to join. Each case is looked at on an individual basis.”
Mr O’Connor said: “Lack of vetting has already seemingly led to a young woman being murdered by a police officer.
“The Met now need to get a grip and deal with this disturbing case as quickly as possible.”
PACouzens pleaded guilty to the murder of Sarah Everard[/caption]
