A serving Metropolitan Police officer has been found guilty of sexually assaulting a woman in Brighton while on his stag weekend in 2021.
On Thursday, 29 June Sergeant Laurence Knight, attached to Met Detention, appeared at Southwark Crown Court where he was convicted of one count of sexual assault. He was acquitted of rape.
He will be sentenced at the same court on Friday, 28 July.
On 16 July 2021 Sgt Knight was on his stag weekend in Brighton when he encountered the victim and her friend.
The stag group and the two friends went to the beach.
Sgt Knight and the victim went for a swim and while in the water, Sgt Knight sexually assaulted the woman.
The matter was reported to Sussex Police a short time later.
Sgt Knight was arrested on 28 July 2021 and was charged on 26 May 2022.
Sgt Knight has been suspended from duty since his arrest.
Now that criminal matters have concluded misconduct proceedings will take place as soon as possible.
Chief Superintendent Peter Gardner, responsible for Met Detention, said: “Sergeant Knight’s actions are thoroughly reprehensible. It goes without saying that his actions fell far below the standards expected of a Metropolitan Police officer.
“This is another highly concerning incident that will no doubt cause the public to question their trust in police. I want to be clear, we are working hard to weed out officers who are not fit to serve the public and the Commissioner has been unequivocal in his determination to raise standards and improve culture across the Met.
“I want to pay tribute to the victim for her courage in reporting this offence, supporting the Sussex Police investigation and her role in seeing that Sergeant Knight is convicted. I also want to commend the diligent investigation by detectives in Sussex.”
Anyone with 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.
