- PC Ross Benson ‘sexually’ whipped 13-year-old girl he knew
- He was dismissed without notice following a disciplinary hearing in London.
A Metropolitan Police officer has been sacked from the force after he was found to have spanked a 13-year-old girl on “her bare bottom on numerous occasions”.
PC Ross Benson, who was attached to the North West Basic Command unit, was brought before a misconduct panel over allegations dating from April to August 2018.
The misconduct panel heard Benson spanked the girl, whom he knew, while off duty.
His victim was between 12 and 13 years old at the time of the attacks.
PC Ross Benson was sacked from the Metropolitan Police following a misconduct hearing following allegations he had “sexually” spanked a 13-year-old girl he knew.
Benson was fired without notice following this week’s disciplinary hearing (file photo)
Benson was arrested on 6 November 2020 by Bedfordshire Police on suspicion of sexual assault. The case was dropped in September 2021 when he was told he faced no further action.
According to Scotland Yard, Bedfordshire Police informed them of the allegation, which led to a misconduct hearing before the Professional Standards Authority.
The panel concluded that Benson had “violated the standard of professional conduct relating to discreditable conduct at the level of gross misconduct.”
The panel found there was “a sexual element” to spanking.
Detective Superintendent Will Lexton-Jones said: “My thoughts are first and foremost with the victim who showed bravery in reporting this.” PC Benson’s abhorrent behavior has led to his immediate dismissal, a decision I fully support.
“I hope this result demonstrates how we are weeding out those who do not demonstrate the high standards we demand of our officers.”
Scotland Yard said that as well as being dismissed, Benson was also placed on the College of Police’s banned list.
You will now be prevented from joining another police force, local police agencies (PCCs), the Independent Office for Police Conduct or Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Police and Fire and Rescue Services.
MailOnline has contacted Scotland Yard to determine when they first became aware of the allegations relating to Benson and whether he was placed on restricted duty or suspended ahead of the disciplinary hearing.