A police officer from the Metropolitan Police was dismissed after a video showed him appearing to enjoy using excessive force. Pc Jason Sinclair-Birt, stationed at Charing Cross police station, was found to have boasted about hitting a detainee during a conversation with a colleague. However, it was later clarified that he did not actually use the described excessive force.
Commander Jason Prins, the chairman, determined that Pc Sinclair-Birt’s actions constituted gross misconduct, leading to his immediate dismissal. Three other officers from the same station, Pc Philip Neilson, Pc Martin Borg, and Sergeant Joe McIlvenny, were also fired for similar misconduct revealed in the BBC Panorama program.
During the hearing, it was revealed that Pc Sinclair-Birt was heard boasting about using force on a detainee, describing how he struck the detainee’s legs. Despite his claims, the officer maintained that his words were exaggerated for comedic purposes.
Although video footage of the incident was presented during the hearing, it was confirmed that Pc Sinclair-Birt did not deploy any excessive force or use his baton. The officer’s defense suggested that his comments were meant as dark humor within an informal conversation with colleagues.
Mr. Berry, representing the appropriate authority, argued that Pc Sinclair-Birt seemed to glorify the use of force during the conversation. However, when questioned, Pc Sinclair-Birt denied intending his words to be taken seriously.
In conclusion, while Pc Sinclair-Birt’s remarks raised concerns about his attitude towards force, it was clarified that his actions did not reflect the exaggerated account he shared with his colleagues.
