A Met Police officer is facing a misconduct hearing after being found guilty of sexually assaulting a woman during a night out with colleagues in the West End.
Inspector Michael Richards reportedly touched the bottoms of a man and woman near a pub in Leicester Square on the evening of September 17, 2024, a court heard.
Richards, who was attached to the force’s Learning and Development Command, was arrested and suspended from duty after his conduct was reported.
The 40-year-old was charged with two counts of sexual assault in May. On Monday he was found guilty on one count by a jury following a weeklong trial.
He is to be sentenced at Southwark Crown Court on September 25.
The former officer is now facing an accelerated police misconduct hearing.
Chief Superintendent Sean Wilson said: ‘Inspector Michael Richards’ behaviour fell well below what we expect from our officers.
‘I would like to thank Inspector Richards’ colleagues who called out his behaviour that night and held him accountable.
‘We continue to encourage officers and staff to call out poor behaviour both on and off-duty.’