An officer from the Metropolitan Police has been imprisoned following his conviction for sexually assaulting a lady during his bachelor party in East Sussex. Sergeant Laurence Knight, hailing from Leyton in East London and serving with Met Detention, was found guilty at Southwark Crown Court on Thursday, June 29, of a single charge of sexual assault. On Friday, July 28, he received a two-year sentence, with one year to be served in prison and one year on license.
Following his conviction, Laurence Knight voluntarily stepped down from his job at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. He was convicted of sexual assault but acquitted of rape. In addition, Laurence Knight received a restraining order and will be required to register as a sex offender for ten years.
Laurence Knight committed sexual assault against a woman in her twenties as he was celebrating his stag party in Brighton on July 16, 2021. Sussex Police were notified of the event and initiated an investigation. Laurence Knight was apprehended on July 28, 2021, after being recognised as a suspect in connection with allegations of rape and sexual assault.
He received a one-year imprisonment term on Friday, July 28, 2023.
As per Sussex Police, the woman and Laurence Knight engaged in a verbal altercation, after which the stag group departed from the beach. The woman promptly reported the incident to the police on the same day. The Met’s Directorate of Professional Standards was notified, and he was suspended from his duties. Following the conclusion of the criminal procedures, he is scheduled to have an expedited misconduct hearing on Thursday, August 3.
Chief Superintendent Peter Gardner, in charge of Met Detention, stated that Laurence Knight’s actions were highly condemnable. He acknowledges that his attitude would have exacerbated the erosion of public confidence in the police. I recognise the considerable influence this would have had on the victim and commend her for stepping forward.
“The Commissioner has unequivocally stated that the Metropolitan Police does not tolerate officers who compromise our integrity.” Laurence Knight was promptly suspended upon the revelation of his misconduct, and subsequent disciplinary processes will ensue.
Detective Sergeant Sean Booth, from Sussex Police’s Safeguarding Investigation Unit, expressed that Laurence Knight used a susceptible woman and violated the trust of the public, whom, as a police officer, he was obligated to safeguard. He is a criminal unfit to be a part of any law enforcement agency and has deservedly been held accountable for his actions. I express my gratitude to the victim for her courage in reporting the incident and providing support throughout the investigation till its resolution. Her help was crucial for achieving this goal.
“This statement unequivocally conveys that Sussex Police will treat all reports of criminal activity with utmost seriousness, irrespective of the suspect’s occupation, and will diligently pursue justice while providing necessary support to the victims.”
Anyone with any information about a police officer or member of staff who works for the Met and is corrupt, abusing their position and power, can call the Anti-Corruption and Abuse Hotline, run by the independent charity Crimestoppers, on 0800 085 0000 or complete the online form at www.crimestoppers-org.uk
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