Met Officer Resigns Following Sexual Relations With Domestic Abuse Victim
Metropolitan Police officer, PC Paul Onslow, based in southeast London, has resigned on account of his sexual relations with a domestic violence victim after arresting her boyfriend. Reports say if Onslow had been on the job, the tribunal headed by Maurice Cohen would have fired him for gross misconduct after finding the accusations to be true.
Evidence gathered proved that the officer had returned to the apartment of the unnamed lady (Miss A) shortly after her boyfriend was taken away, according to a misconduct hearing. He had swiftly removed his body-worn camera and asked whether she liked him.
It was determined that between August 2019 and October 2021, Onslow violated norms of professional behaviour by having an inappropriate relationship with the lady.
After breaking up with her boyfriend and alleging that he was attempting to force her out of their residence, Miss A contacted the police at around 7 o'clock on August 7, 2019.
Victim, who was wearing pants that were ripped and had a little cut on her thumb, was threatened violently by the belligerent suspect. Before returning to Miss A's house to collect a statement and do a risk assessment, Onslow helped with his arrest.
According to the lady, an argument broke out when she returned from Paris with their kid, and he became jealous and suspected she was having an affair.
While taking notes on Miss A's complaint, Onslow said afterwards that he had asked her whether she thought he was attractive.
After a week, the officer returned to the apartment at 3 in the morning after a shift 'bringing milk so they could have tea together', but instead of having tea, they embraced and kissed. Up until eight or nine in the morning, Onslow remained onsite.
Despite Onslow's living arrangements with his ex-girlfriend and kid, a relationship developed between the two.
Miss A provided him with a key to her flat and said there was “an instant mutual attraction”.
However, everything went south in June 2021 when Onslow failed to cut ties with his ex-girlfriend and blocked her on WhatsApp. That same year, in October, Onslow left the police force. Regarding Miss A's boyfriend, the outcome is still unknown.
Panel chair Mr Cohen said: “Onslow’s actions in turning off his body-worn video at a time when he was undertaking a risk assessment of Miss A and during which he asked her if she fancied him were regarded by the panel as being particularly concerning."
“In considering mitigating features, the panel noted that former officer Onslow has a previous unblemished career over 15 years and has received commendations from his borough commander.”
Commander Trevor Lawry said: “It is unacceptable for any police officer to use his position to begin a relationship.
“Police officers have a privileged position of power and they need to maintain the upmost level of conduct at all times.”