The Metropolitan Police has dismissed Acting Sergeant Rachel Bright following a misconduct hearing that found she committed gross misconduct by inappropriately touching a woman during a night out. The panel determined that Bright, who was attached to the South West Command Unit, breached professional behaviour standards in respect of discreditable conduct.
Incident and trial
Bright was suspended from duty in 2023 after being charged with one count of sexual assault. The charge related to an incident in December 2022, when she allegedly touched a woman without her consent at a bar in Clapham, South London, while she was off duty.
She faced trial the following year at Kingston Crown Court, where a jury found her not guilty of sexual assault. However, the Met's Directorate of Professional Standards pursued a separate misconduct hearing, which is a lower burden of proof than a criminal trial.
Misconduct findings
During the misconduct hearing, the panel was told that Bright repeatedly demonstrated inappropriate behaviour towards a woman she knew, touching her in a deliberate and unsolicited manner. The panel found the allegations proven and concluded that Bright's actions constituted gross misconduct.
Chief Superintendent Dan Knowles, who spoke on behalf of the Met, said: "I would like to firstly thank the woman who reported Acting Sgt Bright for the courage she has shown throughout this process."
Accountability and consequences
Knowles added: "Acting Sgt Bright's actions were wholly unacceptable and fell far short of the standards expected of police officers. Anyone who fails to uphold our standards should expect to be held accountable."
As a result of the misconduct finding, Bright will be placed on the College of Policing Barred List, which prevents her from working in policing in the future. The Met confirmed that the dismissal takes effect immediately, and Bright will no longer serve in any police capacity.
