Two trainee Met detectives who were caught performing sex act in police station lift after boozy night out at pub are found guilty of gross misconduct By JON BRADY Published: 19:15, 13 December 2024 | Updated: 19:53, 13 December 2024 e-mail View comments A pair of Met Police officers who were caught engaging in oral sex in a station service lift after a drunken night out have been allowed to keep their jobs - after colleagues spoke to their otherwise glittering records. Detective Constable Jessica Martin and Police Constable Pierce Lynch were discovered in the compromising position by two of their colleagues at Bethnal Green Police Station on November 16 2022 at around 9.40pm. The young duo had been out drinking for three hours when they shared a kiss, before going back to the station to get their things - at which point the pair undid PC Lynch's trousers and DC Martin performed the sex act for 'about 5-10 seconds'. The between-floors romp took place in a service lift used by police officers and contractors such as cleaners - and the the pair were rumbled by colleagues who called the lift in order to reach the smoking area on the ground floor. Upon seeing the pair, one said: 'That's not on, guys'. They were immediately reported to a senior officer and this week were hauled before a standards committee which found them guilty of gross misconduct - a sackable offence. However, the panel opted to let them keep their jobs after receiving a 'substantial number of character references' from colleagues and senior officers commending their otherwise glittering careers. They have instead been handed a final written warning - meaning any further misconduct will likely see them sacked on the spot. DC Martin, a police officer for three years, wept and dabbed her eyes with tissues as she was found guilty of misconduct, and bowed her head as she was told she would not lose her job. Metropolitan Police officers DC Jessica Martin and PC Pierce Lynch will keep their jobs after being caught engaging in oral sex at Bethnal Green Police Station (pictured) The pair were hauled before a standards hearing at Sutton Police Station (pictured) this week The Met standards panel ruled that the pair could keep their jobs - but handed them a final written warning (stock image) She was dressed in a black suit, and was supported by another woman during the hearing. PC Lynch wore his formal Met Police uniform for the hearing. The hearing at Sutton Police Station had previously been told how both cops had accepted they were drunk at the time of the incident. Elisabeth Acker, for the Met, had said: 'Police Constables Flaherty and Frost-Smith were in front of the doors of the service lift. 'When the doors of the lift opened, they saw TDC Martin and PC Lynch engaging in a sexual act – that sexual activity being oral sex, performed by TDC Martin on TDC Lynch.' In his statement read to the hearing Lynch, who had been a trainee detective constable before joining the Met's Response Team as a constable, said: 'Jess undid my zip and I undid my top button.' The statement added: 'To the best of (his) recollection Martin then performed the sex act 'for about 5-10 seconds.'' Both had admitted to engaging in sexual activity on police property, where they were at risk of being seen by police. But they had denied engaging in the tryst where they were at risk of being seen by members of the public; they had also denied gross misconduct. The panel accepted their claims that the act had been a spur-of-the-moment lapse of judgement. Neither sought to blame the other, nor blame their intoxicated state for their actions, the hearing were told. 'The conduct of each officer was indistinguishable from the other... the officers' actions were deliberate and intentional, but the panel accepts it was not planned,' panel chair Deputy Assistant Commissioner Alexis Boon said today. 'The panel finds they did not seek to blame one another, nor the fact they were inebriated at the time. 'The risk of being seen by members of the public was low but the risk of being seen by fellow police officers was considerable.' Rina Marie Hill and DC Nobby Clarke (pictured), representing DC Martin and PC Lynch respectively, said both officers had received glittering references from their colleagues But while it had been a 'single unplanned episode' for which both TDC Lynch and DC Martin had shown 'genuine remorse' their actions, the panel concluded their actions amounted to gross misconduct. DAC Boon continued: 'It was shocking to the fellow officers and caused them embarrassment. It is highly likely or has impacted on the good running of this station and has affected their relationships with colleagues. 'The risk of being seen by members of the public was considered non-existent (by Lynch and Martin). It was, nonetheless, real.' Rina Marie Hill, speaking for DC Martin, said the rookie detective had been taunted by colleagues following the incident, being given an unspecified nickname that referenced the lift encounter and made the target of cruel rumours. One colleague who worked at Stoke Newington Police Station became aware of the lift encounter before she ever worked alongside DC Martin, Ms Hill added. 'If she is to remain a police officer the fact of this allegation will remain with her and will be known to her colleagues for the rest of her career,' the lawyer said. 'As you can imagine there has been considerable gossip and so-called 'banter' among colleagues. 'She has been subjected to jibes and taunts. She has been referred to as a nickname that I will not repeat. 'It has been suggested that she provided sexual services to others in order to advance her career... (suggestions that are) crude and utterly inappropriate.' The police officers had tried to claim there was no risk of them being seen by members of the public - but the panel ruled there was as the station service lift was used by contractors But she added that DC Martin had also struggled with her mental health, the end of a relationship, and family bereavements. The detective also received a substantial number of endorsements from her colleagues who said she should keep her job. She added: 'The fact that so many people have taken the time to prepare detailed and considered references is, you may feel, a testament to her character. They can be described, in my opinion, as exceptional.' DC Nobby Clarke, for PC Lynch, said the response officer was 'sorry' above all else for the mark on his five-year police record. 'He is sorry for the embarrassment he has caused himself and his colleagues and the person sitting behind him,' he said, referencing DC Martin. 'This was a single unplanned event - (there was) no intention by planning or preparation for what was an isolated 15 second incident. 'While certainly not in the first flourishes of youth he was not as alert to the effects of his immaturity and poor decision making as he is today.' He added that the constable had been 'overwhelmed' by a breakup, trying to cope with his mother's recurring brain tumour diagnoses, and an incident in which he had been 'violently assaulted' by a pair of muggers. But he had also been appointed as the welfare officer for his team since the incident, and was now a response team officer 'trusted to be the first responder to members of the public in their time of need'. 'This moment of madness will live with him and that alone is a just punishment,' DC Clarke added. Panel chair Deputy Assistant Commissioner Alexis Boon said today: 'The panel took into account their early admissions and substantial number of character references which the panel found exceptional in their relative youth and time in service.' DAC Boon said the panel, while recognising a 'significant lapse of professionalism and judgement', concluded it had been a 'single isolated incident' that took place while the officers were off-duty and had been dealing with personal struggles. 'The panel finds the public interest is served by allowing them to continue to serve as police officers,' he continued, describing them as 'genuinely remorseful and committed officers'. The final written warning will remain on their record for three years. London Met Police Share or comment on this article: Two trainee Met detectives who were caught performing sex act in police station lift after boozy night out at pub are found guilty of gross misconduct e-mail Add commentWorld champion at age 18: Why Gukesh Dommaraju’s triumph heralds a new golden age for chessBiden administration to loan $6.6B to EV maker Rivian to build Georgia factory that automaker paused
ZETA Announcement: If You Have Suffered Losses in Zeta Global Holdings Corp. (NYSE: ZETA), You Are Encouraged to Contact The Rosen Law Firm About Your Rights
China seeks balance of books and sports for children’s fitter future'Breaking of gridlock' between Quebec, N.L. is the envy of former premiers
On Friday, October 25, the celebrated its 40th anniversary at Upper Barrakka Gardens in Valletta. With the stunning Grand Harbour as a backdrop, the event gathered hundreds of guests, including Laferla’s team, intermediary network and business partners, to commemorate four decades of success. During the event, the company announced significant investments and corporate updates, including the upcoming launch of its new fintech app, including a new line of business – Laferla Money. This is an integrated wallet and debit card facility that embeds payment services within Laferla’s existing digital offering, marking a significant new chapter for the brand whilst establishing a new unique value proposition in the local insurance scene. Laferla marked a new era in its legacy with the official announcement of Laferla Money, introduced as “the first of many new vertically integrated services within our offering”. This innovative product, powered by Maltese- and UK-licensed Financial Institution, Andaria, is set to transform the company’s digital landscape. Laferla Money will offer customers a new range of services, including multi-currency IBANs and Mastercard debit cards. The services, provided by Andaria, shall be integrated seamlessly within Laferla’s new app – making it a one-stop solution for many daily needs, and the first fintech application which focuses primarily on insurance services. “Our vision goes beyond just insurance. We are excited to introduce Laferla Money, a key addition to our product range which allows our app to become a comprehensive solution enabling users to manage their insurance and money needs, through one convenient platform,” said Mark Laferla Jr. “The result of our investments is a new digital platform which we will continue to build on, by bringing to market further complimentary products and services that will continue to enhance our value proposition, whilst continuing to grow our core operation in the insurance industry.” Laferla Money will empower users to open an account within minutes, hold balances and transact in several different currencies, managing their daily payments using virtual and physical Mastercard debit cards. Customers will also be able to easily transfer money globally via peer-to-peer transfers to other Laferla Money accounts, as well as SEPA or Swift transfers. “The technology stack we are investing in, as well as the partners we have chosen to work with, will ensure that our app provides functionality that rivals top Fintech brands whilst allowing us to scale up quickly,” said Kevin Laferla. Laferla’s expansion into financial services represents a significant milestone, and the company’s leadership is confident that this new offering will enhance its value proposition. “We are extremely excited to be announcing these new services after years of development. This added value proposition is a key step in our brand’s long-term vision, which focuses on customer experience, diversification of services to enhance our value proposition, and internationalisation”, explained Keith Laferla. “A key value proposition in this journey will be our 40 years of experience in the insurance sector – a business line that is typically treated as an afterthought within finance-focused fintech apps. With this, Laferla will position itself as a fintech app with a real insurance offering,” he concluded. Mark Laferla Jr., Keith Laferla, and Kevin Laferla expressed their heartfelt gratitude to their father and founder, Mark Laferla Sr as well as his wife Helen, who were instrumental in growing the company from the ground up. The brothers thanked their entire team, key partners and loyal customers, who have been instrumental in the company’s success. The evening was capped off with a spectacular display of fireworks over the Grand Harbour, providing a breathtaking tribute to Laferla’s rich heritage. The event celebrated the company’s past, and a powerful statement about its future. You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the link in the footer of our emails. We use as our marketing platform. By subscribing, you acknowledge that your information will be transferred to Mailchimp for processing.Imran Khan asks PTI supporters to 'fight until last ball is bowled' "We will not back down until our demands are met,” says jailed PTI founder amid ongoing protest Incarcerated Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan has asked the party workers and supporters to continue protest in Islamabad against his "illegal" incarceration, urging them to “fight until the last ball is bowled”. "I commend the Pakistani nation and PTI's political workers, who are fighting for their rights by participating in this peaceful protest, and resolutely standing before the mafia that has imposed itself upon our country, to demand their rights and genuine freedom," the jailed former prime minister said in a message posted on his official X handle. “My message for my team is to fight until the last ball is bowled. We will not back down until our demands are met!,” he added. Amid the government’s claims that the "PTI miscreants" were responsible for the deaths of security personnel, Imran said his party workers remained peaceful while marching on Islamabad. “My thanks go to overseas Pakistanis around the globe, who are not only mobilising Pakistanis and contributing funds, but also holding historic protests in their respective countries,” he said. It is pertinent to mention here that the PTI has staged protests in major cities of the world, including London and outside American President-elect Donald Trump’s residence at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida. Moreover, the PTI founder hailed his party’s “social media warriors around the globe”, asking them to continue to vigorously reiterate the demands that include the release of party leaders including himself from jail, revocation of 26th Amendment and the return of stolen mandate in the February 8 general elections. “Those who haven't yet joined the protest must also head to D-Chowk. All Pakistanis participating in the protest must remain peaceful, stay united, and stand firm until our demands are met. Remember, this is a struggle for Pakistan's survival and true freedom,” he concluded. Thousands of PTI protesters marched to Islamabad this week, defying all the obstacles and clashing with police, in response to incarcerated former prime minister’s call for a "do-or-die" protest. Authorities have enforced a security lockdown to block the protesters while highways into the city were barricaded. Meanwhile, the law enforcement agencies (LEAs) have pushed back the marching protesters from Islamabad's D-Chowk — the venue of the party’s much-touted power show. Geo News correspondent, who is present at the spot, reported that PTI protesters began retreating from the site following the heavy teargas shelling and action by the authorities. The Imran Khan-founded party, in recent months, has marched on the federal capital on multiple occasions which has seen its workers clashing with the law enforcement agencies (LEAs). Pakistan, Belarus sign 15 agreements, reaffirm deepening bilateral cooperation Death toll in Kurram clashes climbs to 99 as violence escalates Naqvi says PTI's 'secret leadership root cause of chaos' Security forces foil infiltration bid on Pak-Afghan border, eliminates three terrorists