JOSE POONSAWAT FROM LONDON POLICE FORCE FIRED OVER SEXUAL ASSAULT CASE

A Metropolitan Police officer, Detective Constable Jose Poonsawat, who was previously assigned to the Central South Command Unit in London, has been officially dismissed from the force following a conviction related to a serious misconduct incident.

On December 16, 2022, Poonsawat was involved in an incident that led to allegations of sexual assault against a woman. The case was brought before Croydon Magistrates' Court, where he pleaded guilty on July 12. The court proceedings marked a significant development in the case, highlighting the gravity of the misconduct involved.

Subsequently, a misconduct hearing was convened on Tuesday, during which Assistant Commissioner Pippa Mills reviewed the case and found Poonsawat guilty of gross misconduct. As a result of this determination, the officer was immediately removed from his duties and dismissed from the Metropolitan Police force. This action underscores the force’s strict stance on misconduct and its commitment to maintaining integrity within its ranks.

During the course of the investigation, officers from Bromley and the Metropolitan Police’s Domestic Abuse and Sexual Offences team initially placed Poonsawat on limited duties. However, as the case progressed and the severity of the allegations became clear, he was suspended in July, pending further disciplinary action.

Following his dismissal, Poonsawat will be added to the College of Policing’s barred list. This measure ensures that he will be prohibited from holding any future roles within law enforcement agencies across the country, effectively ending his career in policing.

Vanessa Britton, the acting commander for Southwark policing, publicly expressed her support for the victim and reaffirmed the police force’s zero-tolerance policy towards misconduct. She emphasized that officers accused of such serious allegations are held accountable through both court proceedings and internal misconduct processes. Britton made it clear that Poonsawat’s actions have no place within the police force, and the department remains committed to upholding the highest standards of conduct and integrity.