An off-duty Metropolitan Police officer has been jailed after assaulting two taxi drivers during a drunken dispute over a fare in Chelmsford (Town North West outside of London).
PC Lee Tilson was sentenced to 18 weeks in prison after admitting two counts of assault. The incident, which took place while he was off-duty, saw Tilson punch one taxi driver multiple times in the chest and attempt to grab a second driver through his car window.
Threats and Abuse of Authority
During the altercation, Tilson identified himself as a police officer and threatened to arrest both drivers. One of the victims later told investigators they were shocked that a serving officer behaved in such a manner.
According to Commander Katie Lilburn, who chaired the misconduct panel, Tilson’s behaviour “undermined public trust and confidence in the Met”. She added:
“PC Tilson was responsible for his own actions. He was drunk. Self-induced intoxication is no excuse.
It is unacceptable for police officers who are responsible for enforcing the law to break the law in this way.”
Dismissed Without Notice
Despite being granted early release from prison, Tilson failed to attend the accelerated gross misconduct hearing. The panel found he had breached professional behaviour standards relating to discreditable conduct.
As a result, he was dismissed without notice and placed on the College of Policing’s barred list, meaning he can no longer work in policing in the UK.
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