…By Lola Smith for TDPel Media.
A serving Metropolitan Police officer, PC Archit Sharma, has been sentenced to 16 months in prison for sexually assaulting a fellow female officer while they were on duty at Southgate Police Station in north London.
The 26-year-old Sharma appeared at Wood Green Crown Court, where he received his sentence for the December 2020 incident.
Officer Suspended After Victim Reports the Attack
Sharma, who belonged to the Met unit responsible for Haringey and Enfield, was immediately suspended from duty after the victim reported the sexual assault.
Prosecution Emphasizes Adherence to Professional Conduct
Usha Shergill, Crown Advocate for CPS London’s Complex Casework Unit, highlighted that as a police officer, Sharma was expected to uphold the highest standards of behavior and professional conduct.
The incident left the victim feeling anxious and scared.
Shergill commended the victim’s bravery in reporting the matter and assisting in bringing Sharma to justice.
The Crown Prosecution Service reaffirmed its commitment to prosecuting serious sexual offenses and ensuring that offenders are held accountable.
Outrage from Metropolitan Police and Betrayal of Values
Met Detective Chief Superintendent Caroline Haines expressed fury over the officer’s grossly unacceptable behavior, stating that PC Sharma had completely betrayed the core values of policing.
The Metropolitan Police condemned the actions of the officer and affirmed their dedication to maintaining integrity within the force.