Metropolitan Police Officer Dismissed After Sexual Assault Conviction
A Metropolitan Police officer has been sacked and placed on a national barred list following his conviction for sexually assaulting a colleague at a Central London bar. PC Jason Caper, formerly of the Central West Basic Command Unit, squeezed his colleague’s backside during a work social event at a Marylebone pub on January 24, 2025.
Court Proceedings and Sentencing
Caper pleaded guilty to sexual assault by touching and was found guilty at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on February 4 this year. On March 6, he received a 12-month community order and was ordered to pay court fees of £199. The case highlights ongoing concerns about misconduct within police ranks.
Police Leadership Responds Firmly
Detective Chief Superintendent Christina Jessah, who leads policing in central west London, condemned Caper’s actions. “The actions of PC Caper fell well below the standards expected for a serving police officer,” she stated. Jessah emphasized the broader implications for public trust, adding, “Women deserve to feel safe in London. It is imperative that our officers maintain high standards at all times and there is no place for inappropriate behaviour within the Met.”
She further noted that the force is actively working to remove individuals who fail to meet these standards, underscoring a commitment to accountability and reform.
Dismissal and Barring from Policing
Panel Chair Commander Katie Lilburn dismissed Caper without notice, citing the severity of the offence. “My decision is that the gravity of PC Jason Caper’s conduct means that the only reasonable and appropriate sanction is dismissal without notice,” Lilburn declared. As a result, Caper will be placed on the College of Policing’s public barred list, preventing him from future employment in policing.
This incident occurs against a backdrop of recent scrutiny, including a BBC Panorama programme that exposed what the Metropolitan Police commissioner described as “appalling, potentially criminal, behaviour,” leading to suspensions of nine officers and one staff member earlier this year.
The case reinforces calls for enhanced vetting and training within the Metropolitan Police to ensure officer conduct aligns with public safety expectations, particularly regarding women’s security in urban environments.
