A former Metropolitan Police officer has been deemed guilty of gross misconduct after a tribunal revealed he made inappropriate jokes about rape and sexual assault. Brian Sharkey, who retired in May 2025, was secretly filmed making these comments, which were later aired in a BBC Panorama documentary. The tribunal’s findings come at a time when public confidence in the police is critical, particularly regarding the handling of offences against women and girls.
Shocking Revelations from the Tribunal
The tribunal, which took place in South London, uncovered shocking remarks made by Sharkey, who allegedly belittled serious allegations of sexual assault while socialising with colleagues. During a pub conversation in January 2025, he was recorded saying, “If you are going to get accused of it you might as well f****** do it then. If you go down for a sexual assault you might as well go down for rape.” Despite claiming these comments were intended as a joke, the panel found that such statements fundamentally undermined the public’s trust in law enforcement.
Commander Stephen Clayman, who chaired the tribunal, stated that Sharkey’s behaviour breached professional standards. “It undermines public confidence in policing at a time when police forces, and particularly the Met Police, are trying to demonstrate how seriously they take offences of violence against women and girls,” he said.
The Undercover Investigation
The footage of Sharkey’s comments was recorded by an undercover BBC journalist who had been working as a designated detention officer at Charing Cross police station. The documentary, which aired in October, revealed not only Sharkey’s jokes but also other problematic conversations regarding stop-and-search practices, suggesting he viewed claims of racial bias as trivial.
Cecily White, the legal representative for the Metropolitan Police, emphasised the gravity of Sharkey’s comments, stating that they could lead the public to believe that police officers do not take such allegations seriously. “For an officer to make a joke about allegations of sexual assault or rape, especially to other colleagues, is capable of undermining public trust,” she argued.
Denial and Regret
During the tribunal, Sharkey defended his comments, asserting that he was merely illustrating a point about how trivialising minor issues could diminish the seriousness of more significant ones. However, he acknowledged that his choice of words was poor and reiterated his commitment to treating allegations of sexual assault with the utmost seriousness. “I do regret it, I regretted it right from the start,” he stated.
Despite his claims of innocence and the intention behind his remarks, the tribunal panel found that his conduct represented a significant breach of professional behaviour standards related to authority, respect, courtesy, and equality.
Broader Implications for the Met Police
The fallout from the undercover investigation has been severe, resulting in the dismissal of seven other officers who were found to have committed gross misconduct. As public scrutiny of police practices intensifies, the Met Police faces an uphill battle in restoring trust and demonstrating a commitment to upholding the law with integrity and empathy.
The ongoing hearing for Sharkey serves as a stark reminder of the work that still needs to be done to ensure that all members of the public feel safe and respected by those sworn to protect them.
Why it Matters
This case highlights the critical need for accountability within law enforcement, particularly regarding attitudes towards sexual offences and racial bias. As police forces strive to rebuild their reputations, incidents like these serve as a painful reminder of the systemic issues that must be addressed. It is vital for the public to have confidence in the institutions meant to protect them, and such behaviour from officers only serves to erode that trust further. In a society where victims of violence and discrimination must feel heard and supported, it is imperative that all officers understand the profound impact of their words and actions.
