A POLICE COMMUNITY SUPPORT OFFICER HAS BEEN CONVICTED OF SEXUALLY ASSAULTING A COLLEAGUE IN A POLICE STATION GYM
In October 2020, PCSO Edward Oniba embraced a woman and kissed her neck at a police station in north London without her permission.A jury at Harrow Crown Court found him guilty on Monday of sexual assault through physical contact.
He was given a 12-month community order and was required to complete 100 hours of unpaid work.
During the trial, it was revealed that Oniba was on duty during the incident and that he made inappropriate remarks as well.
The assault was reported in March 2021.
Oniba, who is part of the North West Basic Command Unit (BCU), is currently suspended from his duties.
Ch Supt Dan Knowles, head of policing for the North West BCU, stated, "I am absolutely appalled by PCSO Oniba's completely inappropriate behaviour, which has absolutely no place in the Met.
"No-one should be subject to sexual assault, especially in their place of work.
I would like to thank the victim for coming forward and speaking up about her colleague's unacceptable behaviour." The investigation was led by the Met's Directorate of Professional Standards.
Oniba was questioned under caution in May 2021; he acknowledged hugging the victim but denied kissing her neck.
Disciplinary proceedings are expected to commence promptly, according to the Met.
