'Predatory' former Met PC guilty of gross misconduct

The Met Police said it was "unacceptable for any officer to abuse their position of trust"

A former Metropolitan Police officer described as a "sexual predator who used his position to take advantage of vulnerable women" has been found guilty of gross misconduct.

PC Philip Hunter had tried to start a sexual relationship with a woman he met while on a welfare visit, the misconduct hearing was told.

The disciplinary panel said the retired officer, who claimed the contact was "simply supportive communication", would have been sacked from the force if he had still been serving.

After the hearing, the victim, known as "Y", told the BBC that the officer had "preyed" on her vulnerabilities and although she thanked the panel for their decision, she said the process had been "brutal".

The Met said it was "unacceptable for any officer to abuse their position of trust" and apologised for the distress caused.

'Inappropriate'

During the hearing, it was heard the former officer had engaged in “a pattern of sexually predatory behaviour”.

He had gone to Y's home during a welfare check in August 2017, and told her she was “a lovely lady” and that she needed a hug, before hugging her, and giving her his personal phone number, and encouraging her to call him “at any time” if she wanted to talk or meet for a coffee.

A string of "inappropriate" text messages were sent to the victim and while Y saw the officer as a "confidante and friend,” his behaviour was “deliberate” and “predatory”, the hearing heard.

He was previously found guilty of gross misconduct for having a sexual relationship with another woman, known as "X", whom he met during a welfare check when she was at risk of taking her own life, the panel was told.

The panel found he was a "planned and well rehearsed sexual predator who used his position to take advantage of vulnerable women".

'Controlled me'

The victim, who was experiencing mental health difficulties at the time, told the BBC that the officer "preyed on my vulnerabilities and controlled me whilst wielding his warrant card".

She said the process of complaining took several years and that the Met tried to "discredit" her claims.

"I thank the panel for their decision but today on reflection I want to totally condemn a process that has taken this long and at times treated me worse than PC Hunter ever did," she said.

'Deep impact'

Cdr Katie Lilburn, who leads the Met’s Directorate of Professional Standards, said: “I do not underestimate the effect that this matter has had on this victim.

"Having met with her on a number of occasions, I fully understand the deep impact this has had on her.

"I want to be clear, it is unacceptable for any officer to abuse their position of trust and I would like to acknowledge and apologise for the distress this has caused."

She added that the force was committed to concluding misconduct cases swiftly.