Metropolitan Police Dismiss Nigerian-British Officer Over Alleged ‘Biting’ Incident with Colleague

The Metropolitan Police Service has formally dismissed Shola Balogun, a Nigerian-British officer with Bromley Police Station, following an incident in which he allegedly bit a fellow officer during a social gathering in Bexleyheath, Kent.

This decision came after a disciplinary hearing led by senior officer Christopher McKay, held from October 21 to October 23, 2024. The panel also included IPM Amanda Harvey and Assessor-Detective Superintendent Kirsty Mead.

According to details shared during the hearing, Balogun, a Police Constable, attended a colleague’s 40th birthday celebration on April 22, 2022. The event, held at Goals Sports Bar, was attended by approximately 70 people, including the celebrant’s work team members from Bromley Police Station.

Balogun and the victim, whose name has not been disclosed, were the only two officers at the party besides the host.

Both men reportedly shared an excellent professional relationship. They have worked together at Bromley Police Station since June 2018, with no prior significant conflicts.

However, an altercation occurred between Balogun and his colleague as the evening unfolded.

According to the victim’s account, at around 11:30 p.m., he was walking up a set of stairs from the dancefloor when he encountered Balogun, who unexpectedly removed his glasses and dropped them on the floor.

The victim claimed he approached Balogun to address the incident, which he initially thought was a joke.

However, Balogun allegedly responded by placing a hand on the victim’s throat. In the ensuing conversation, reportedly necessary due to the loud music, the victim alleges Balogun then leaned in and bit the right side of his face.

Balogun’s account differs sharply. He admitted to knocking the victim’s glasses off but said it was an accident.

He denied pushing the victim or biting him. However, a medical examination confirmed that the victim sustained a bite injury, contradicting Balogun’s denial.

Documents from the hearing indicate that Balogun’s actions violated the standards of Discreditable Conduct as outlined in the College of Policing Code of Ethics.

This standard mandates that officers maintain a positive public image on and off duty to uphold public trust and confidence in the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS).

“Assaulting a fellow officer is unacceptable and discreditable behaviour,” the panel’s report read, emphasising that Balogun’s actions were deemed a significant violation that discredited the police force.

According to the report, his conduct “brought discredit to the police service and undermined public trust in the MPS.”

During the investigation, the panel interviewed several colleagues who had worked closely with Balogun, including an inspector who had been his line manager for nearly five years.

Each individual praised Balogun’s character and work ethic, citing him as a valuable team member.

However, the panel also reviewed Balogun’s prior disciplinary record, which it found relevant to the case. This history weighed heavily against him, as the panel referenced the precedent Lord Justice Maurice Kay set in the case Salter v Chief Constable of Dorset (2012). The ruling emphasised that while a police officer’s good character may provide some mitigation, it is limited in cases that could harm public confidence.

After weighing all evidence, the panel concluded that Balogun’s actions constituted a severe breach of conduct. They determined that a Final Written Warning would not be a sufficient response given the nature of the offence.

“The only appropriate and proportionate outcome in this case is Dismissal Without Notice,” the panel report stated, underscoring that the decision was necessary to uphold public trust in the MPS.

In conclusion, PC Shola Balogun was dismissed without notice from the Metropolitan Police Service, marking the end of his tenure with the department. The dismissal clearly indicates the MPS’s stance on maintaining high standards of behavior among its officers.

This case has underscored the importance of accountability within the force and the weight the MPS places on public trust in its officers, regardless of their role or rank.