- PC Ross Benson ‘sexually beat’ a 13-year-old girl he knew
- He was dismissed without notice after a disciplinary hearing in London
A British police officer has been fired after he was found to have repeatedly spanked a 13-year-old girl on her bare bottom.
PC Ross Benson, who was attached to the North West Basic Command unit, was taken before a misconduct panel over allegations dating from April to August 2018.
The misconduct panel heard Benson spanked the girl, whom he knew, while he was off duty.
His victim was between 12 and 13 years old at the time of the attacks.
PC Ross Benson was dismissed from the Metropolitan Police after a misconduct hearing following allegations he ‘sexually’ hit a 13-year-old girl he knew
Benson was fired without notice after this week’s disciplinary hearing (file photo)
Benson was arrested by Bedfordshire Police on November 6, 2020 on suspicion of assault. The case was dismissed in September 2021 when he was told he faced no further action.
According to Scotland Yard, Bedfordshire Police informed them of the allegation which led to a misconduct hearing by the Directorate of Professional Standards.
The panel found that Benson had “breached the standard of professional conduct in relation to discreditable conduct at the level of gross misconduct.”
The panel found that there was ‘a sexual element’ to the spankings.
Chief Inspector Will Lexton-Jones said: “My thoughts are first and foremost with the victim who showed courage in reporting this. PC Benson’s appalling behavior has led to his immediate dismissal, a decision I fully support.
“I hope this outcome shows how we root out those who do not meet the high standards we demand of our officers.”
Scotland Yard said that in addition to being dismissed, Benson has also been placed on the College of Policing’s excluded list.
He will now be prevented from joining any other police force, local police authorities (PCCs), the Independent Office for Police Conduct or His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services.
MailOnline has contacted Scotland Yard to establish when they were first made aware of the allegations against Benson and whether he was placed on restricted duties or suspended ahead of the disciplinary hearing.