Met Police Being Sued Over Officer’s Abuse Of Domestic Violence Victim

A domestic abuse victim has filed a compensation claim against the Metropolitan Police after one of their officers admitted to having abused his position of power by sexually assaulting her. The incident occurred when the 38 year old woman was dragged out of a nightclub by her then boyfriend, and he physically abused her. PC James Formby attended, plied the woman with alcohol, and then took advantage of her inebriated state. Lawyers for the woman claim that the Met are responsible, although lawyers for the police are fighting the claims with a number of counter claims of their own.

This particular incident led to a series of reports by the Guardian newspaper, highlighting the extent of abuse by police officers in a position of power. Over four years, the Guardian found that 56 cases involving police officers and vulnerable victims had been brought. These cases included rape, sexual assault, and taking advantage of their position of power and trust.

One of the worst cases to date is that of 42 year old Stephen Mitchell, a former officer with Northumbria Police. Mitchell had previously been charged with a serious sexual assault while he was a soldier in the 1980s. Despite this conviction, he went on to serve for Northumbria Police, and he was convicted of two rapes, three indecent assaults, and six counts of misconduct in public office.

He received two life sentences, and was told he would not be eligible for parole for at least seven and a half years. That case led to an investigation into Police recruiting policies, and caused the Guardian to start its investigation into similar offences. They claim that the offences are typically hidden, and many officers are dealt with internally rather than facing public trial.

The Met are fighting the most recent case stating that even though the victim was very drunk, she had consented so there was no unlawful act. They also claim that the officer was acting on his own, and therefore the Met should be held vicariously liable for the actions that he undertook during the attack.

CICAMar 28th, 20140 comments