Metropolitan Police Firearms Officer Dismissed After Operating Pizza Business on Sick Leave
A firearms officer from the Metropolitan Police has been dismissed for gross misconduct after it was discovered he was running and promoting a mobile pizza service while on extended sick leave from the force.
Three Decades of Service Ends in Dismissal
Sergeant Matt Skelt, who served with the Metropolitan Police for 34 years, was dismissed without notice following an accelerated disciplinary hearing in Sutton, southwest London. The officer, who was part of the MO19 Specialist Firearms Command Unit, had been experiencing ongoing health problems that led to prolonged periods of sick leave throughout 2025 and into January of this year.
Social Media Evidence Reveals Business Activities
During the tribunal, evidence presented showed that while Sergeant Skelt was officially on sick leave, he was actively working at his pizza business. Social media posts revealed his participation in multiple events where he sold pizza, including working two days weekly outside a pub he frequented, attending a birthday party, and promoting his business at a Christmas market.
Nasreen Shah, representing the tribunal's appropriate authority, stated that social media searches demonstrated "there were occasions where Sgt Skelt appeared to be working on days where he was reported absent from the Met for sickness."
Financial Motive Versus Police Orders
In his defense, Sergeant Skelt explained that he operated the pizza business to prepare for his impending retirement due to ill health, describing it as a "financial survival element" and a lifeline. He argued that he faced an impossible choice between following police orders and securing his financial future, stating his police pension would be insufficient for survival outside the force.
Assistant Commissioner Rachel Williams, who chaired the disciplinary panel, acknowledged Sergeant Skelt had been open about his reasons but emphasized that "it is not an excuse" for violating orders. She noted that his behavior demonstrated he was "well enough to work but not well enough to serve the public in any capacity."
Warning Letters and Failed Compliance
The tribunal heard that Sergeant Skelt had initially received permission to run his pizza business, but this authorization was rescinded in August 2025. A letter sent that month warned that continuing the business was "incompatible with his phased return to work and recovery" and could lead to disciplinary action. This interim decision was confirmed in December 2025.
Despite this warning, Sergeant Skelt continued his business activities, arguing that the August letter did not constitute a binding order. The panel rejected this argument, stating he should have withdrawn from his public-facing role with the company regardless.
Career Background and Final Plea
Sergeant Skelt joined the Metropolitan Police in 1991, beginning his career as a Police Constable in Walthamstow, east London, before transferring to Stoke Newington. He became a firearms officer in 2004 and was involved in training colleagues for various specialized duties, including bodyguarding and ministerial protection. He also contributed to creating units designed to respond to critical incidents such as terror attacks.
During the hearing, Sergeant Skelt expressed deep regret, stating: "My reputation means a lot to me and the thought I would be sacked from the police for gross misconduct is incredibly difficult for me to deal with. The very last thing I wanted to do was to challenge the authority of the Metropolitan Police."
He maintained that he had been "open and honest throughout" and never attempted to deceive anyone, merely trying to plan for his future outside the police force.
