Met Police officer was sexual predator, hearing told

Former PC Hunter was previously found guilty of similar misconduct

A former Metropolitan Police officer has been accused of “a pattern of sexually predatory behaviour” for grooming two vulnerable women he met while on duty.

A disciplinary hearing was told former PC Phil Hunter sent a woman known as "Y" inappropriate messages and tried to have a sexual relationship with her.

He was previously found guilty of gross misconduct for having a sexual relationship with a woman, known as "X", who he met during a welfare check in 2017, while she was suicidal.

He was not at the hearing, and the panel was told he denied all the allegations against him.

'You need a hug'

Thom Dyke, representing the Met, told the hearing Hunter had engaged in “a pattern of sexually predatory behaviour”.

Hunter 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.

Mr Dyke said this was “wholly inappropriate behaviour”.

He told the panel that a string of inappropriate text messages had been discovered on Y’s phone, where he encouraged her to meet.

He said Hunter tried to isolate Y by implying only he could help her.

Mr Dyke said Y had seen Hunter as “a confidante and friend,” but alleged his behaviour was “deliberate” and “predatory”.

The panel heard Hunter claimed the contact was “simply supportive communication”.

Cab licence revoked

Hunter, who is accused of gross misconduct, retired from the Met in 2019 - a year before being found guilty of the same offence over woman X.

He was placed on the police barred list, but the panel heard there were concerns he might reapply to join the force in future, as is permitted after five years.

After he left the Met, Hunter worked as a black cab driver.

Transport for London (TfL) said it had revoked his licence in September 2021, following information provided by the police.

The disciplinary panel is expected to deliver its findings in the case of Y on Friday.