A Metropolitan Police officer has been dismissed from the force after a disciplinary tribunal found he lied about smelling cannabis to conduct an unlawful stop of two men in Epping Forest.
PC Stuart Hooper was found guilty of gross misconduct for the incident, which occurred on 20th June 2021. The tribunal heard that Hooper stopped the vehicle in Epping Forest, claiming he could smell cannabis, but body-worn video footage contradicted his account.
Contradictory Evidence and Breach of Trust
The tribunal panel determined that Hooper's claim was "not believable" after reviewing the evidence. His actions were found to be a deliberate attempt to justify stopping the vehicle without lawful grounds.
This case represents a serious breach of professional standards and public trust. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) directed the Met to hold the misconduct hearing after investigating the incident.
Zero Tolerance for Dishonesty
Chief Superintendent Simon Crick, who leads policing in the area, emphasized that dishonesty will not be tolerated within the Metropolitan Police Service. "We expect our officers to act with the highest levels of honesty and integrity," he stated.
The dismissal without notice sends a clear message that misconduct of this nature has severe consequences for police careers and undermines public confidence in law enforcement.
Location and Aftermath
The incident occurred near the border between the Metropolitan Police and Essex Police force areas, highlighting the importance of accountability across jurisdictional lines.
The case comes amid ongoing efforts to improve police standards and rebuild public trust in policing following various high-profile misconduct cases across the UK.
