Metropolitan Police Officer Receives Community Order for Sexual Assault in Pub
A Metropolitan Police officer has avoided a custodial sentence after pleading guilty to sexually assaulting a woman by groping her in a Westminster pub. PC Jason Capery, 34, was sentenced to a 12-month community order at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Friday, despite the judge acknowledging the offense crossed the custody threshold.
Details of the Assault
The incident occurred in January of last year at a public house in Westminster. According to court proceedings, Capery, who was based at Charing Cross police station at the time, approached the victim while she was conversing with another person. Prosecutor Rhianne Neil stated that the defendant placed his hand on the woman's bottom and "repeatedly squeezed it" for approximately one minute.
The victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was known to Capery. She reported feeling "shocked" during the assault and did not immediately speak out about the incident. In a victim impact statement, she described Capery as being "drunk, inappropriate and vulgar" from the moment she arrived at the venue.
Court Proceedings and Sentencing
Deputy District Judge Richard Hawgood presided over the case, noting the seriousness of the offense. He emphasized that as a serving police officer, Capery's behavior was "utterly and completely unacceptable and inappropriate." The judge stated, "It's quite clear that in drink, as demonstrated by what happened, you are not the sort of person that maybe your colleagues, members of family, etc, know."
Despite acknowledging that the offense crossed the custody threshold, Judge Hawgood opted for a community order. He cited the emotional burden carried by the victim, saying, "She had to carry that burden as well as the fact that you violated her in the way that the facts made clear."
Sentencing Conditions and Aftermath
PC Jason Capery, of Surbiton, received a 12-month community order with specific requirements:
- Completion of 25 rehabilitation activity requirement days
- 150 hours of unpaid work
- Payment of a £114 surcharge
Defense attorney Andrew Frymann presented character references describing Capery as a "very hard-working, diligent and on occasion gallant serving Metropolitan Police officer." However, the judge warned that rehabilitating his previous good character would be extremely difficult and might haunt him for years to come.
The victim's statement highlighted the breach of trust, noting that Capery "swore on oath to uphold the law and failed to do so." This case adds to ongoing concerns about police conduct and accountability within the Metropolitan Police force.
