Met Police Officer Found Too Intoxicated to Perform Duties While on Shift
A former Metropolitan Police detective constable was so heavily intoxicated while on duty that he could not walk straight, a misconduct panel has determined. The officer, Sean Brierley, would have been dismissed from the force had he not already resigned, according to the panel's findings.
Bar Visit During Working Hours Leads to Severe Intoxication
On the evening of July 2, 2025, Brierley visited the Gravity Well Taproom near Leyton in East London after being informed that a suspect at Leyton police station was not yet ready for interview. Over a two-hour period, the officer ordered and consumed three glasses of white wine while still officially on duty, as detailed in the panel ruling.
CCTV footage from the bar and later from the police station showed Brierley visibly unsteady on his feet, staggering and off balance when he returned to work. A custody sergeant testified that Brierley smelled strongly of alcohol, and other staff members reported his speech was noticeably slurred.
Panel Chair Highlights Dangerous Breach of Professional Standards
Panel chair Commander Katie Lilburn summarized the findings, stating, "The fact that the former officer was so intoxicated that he could not walk straight meant that he was unfit to deal with a prisoner in custody, which was the purpose of him being at the police station."
Commander Lilburn emphasized the intentional nature of Brierley's actions, noting, "I found that the former officer's actions were intentional, deliberate, and planned. He chose to go to the Taproom and consume alcohol when he was on duty. Being intoxicated whilst on duty in a police station and in a custody suite, with the attendant risks, is especially dangerous."
Colleagues Conduct Welfare Check at Officer's Home
Concerned colleagues arranged a welfare check at Brierley's home later that night. Officers who arrived at approximately 12:20 a.m. found him lying in bed wearing only boxer shorts, with the duvet pulled off. They reported he appeared very disoriented and was staring at the ceiling in a glazed manner.
Brierley told the officers he was okay but did not inquire why they were present or make any attempt to cover himself or sit up in bed, according to the panel hearing.
Gross Misconduct Finding and Consequences
The panel concluded that Brierley's actions constituted gross misconduct. They determined he would have been immediately dismissed from the Metropolitan Police Service had he not already left the force. This case highlights serious breaches of professional conduct standards within law enforcement and the potential dangers of officers being impaired while responsible for public safety and custodial duties.
