The messages were not sexual, a panel clarified
A Met cop has been canned in an accelerated hearing for sending inappropriate messages to a child.
The hearing found that PC Bethan Hills, based in Met Operations, sent messages to a vulnerable 17-year-old cadet from her personal phone via a messaging app.
It was found that the number and personal nature of the messages were not appropriate, reasonable or necessary in relation to her role as a cadet leader. But it was clarified the messages were not sexual.
It was reported on February 17 2024 and PC Hills was suspended from duty four days later. She will now be added to the Barred List held by the College of Policing to prevent her re-joining the police or being employed by other related bodies.
Chief Superintendent Andrew Ricketts, Met Operations, said: “PC Hills’ actions were wholly inappropriate. She crossed professional boundaries – using her role as a cadet leader to send personal messages to a vulnerable teenager under her care.
“We have made it very clear that officers who abuse their position of trust and authority have no place in our organisation as we continue our ongoing drive to improve standards and culture.”
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