A Metropolitan Police officer has been dismissed from the force after operating an unauthorised coffee shop business while suspended on full pay, with a tribunal ruling his actions risked bringing the profession into disrepute.
Unauthorised Business Operation During Suspension
Police Constable Stanley Kennett, aged 31, applied for a business interest called The Coffee Cycle on 23 April 2024 while suspended from duty. His application was denied just one week later, according to official tribunal documents. Despite this rejection, a subsequent compliance check in September last year revealed that PC Kennett had continued to operate the coffee shop as an unauthorised business interest while simultaneously receiving his full police salary.
The Coffee Cycle Business Details
The business was based within a bicycle shop located in Storrington, West Sussex, serving coffee, cakes, and pastries to customers. Company records show that PC Kennett had been listed as the director of The Coffee Cycle Catering Company Ltd since 1 April last year. The business website described its philosophy, stating: "We believe that coffee and tea are not just drinks, but experiences. That's why we strive to create a warm and inviting space where our customers can relax and enjoy the subtle nuances of each cup. We believe that great coffee and tea should be savored, not rushed."
Gross Misconduct Hearing and Dismissal
PC Kennett attended a misconduct hearing on 12 February, where he was represented by his Federation Representative, PS Nicci Searle. Following the proceedings, he was dismissed without notice after being found to have breached police standards of professional behaviour, amounting to gross misconduct.
The hearing chair, Commander Andy Brittain, determined that the allegations against PC Kennett were proven on the balance of probabilities. Commander Brittain stated: "PC Kennett was responsible for his own actions. He flatly contravened an order and instruction in full knowledge that it might be deemed to bring the MPS into disrepute."
Sophisticated Business Operation
Commander Brittain emphasised that this was not a minor volunteering opportunity but rather "a full blown and expanding business" supported by corporate incorporation, the granting of a director's loan, and the employment of staff. The former police constable had been actively promoting the business on social media platforms, with Commander Brittain describing it as a "sophisticated operation" where PC Kennett was heavily involved at "all points."
Risk to Professional Reputation
In his ruling, Commander Brittain highlighted the significant risk of harm to the police profession's reputation. He stated: "Running a business whether for financial gain or not whilst suspended on full pay brings policing and the MPS in particular into disrepute. Members of the public would not expect serving police officers to act in this way."
As a result of the tribunal's findings, PC Kennett has been dismissed without notice and placed on the College of Policing's barred list, preventing him from future employment within policing.
