Two former Metropolitan Police officers have been reinstated after winning an appeal against a ruling that they had lied about a stop and search incident involving British athlete Bianca Williams. Former officers Jonathan Clapham and Sam Franks were dismissed last year after a disciplinary panel found them guilty of lying about smelling cannabis during a car stop involving Olympic sprinter Ricardo Dos Santos and Ms. Williams.
The Police Appeals Tribunal overturned the original decision, stating that it was “irrational” and “inconsistent.” Chair Damien Moore mentioned that both officers were dedicated and hardworking individuals whose reputations were unfairly tarnished. The tribunal concluded that the officers did not lie and they will now be reinstated with back pay.
Ricardo Dos Santos expressed disappointment with the decision and plans to challenge it in civil courts. The officers’ representative, Hugh Davies, argued that the officers had legitimate reasons to suspect criminal activity based on Mr. Dos Santos’ behavior during the stop. Another officer at the scene claimed to have smelled cannabis but was not accused of dishonesty.
The stop and search incident took place in July 2020 when the police followed the athletes back home after training. Despite being handcuffed and searched, no illegal substances or weapons were found on the couple. The athletes alleged racial profiling, which sparked outrage on social media when video footage of the incident was shared.
In the previous misconduct ruling, it was determined that the officers’ actions breached professional standards of honesty and integrity, leading to their dismissal for gross misconduct. Following their termination, an online appeal raised over £150,000 in support of the officers.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct is awaiting the written decision from the Police Appeals Tribunal regarding the officers’ reinstatement. Despite the ordeal, Bianca Williams went on to participate in the Paris Olympics, where she contributed to the women’s 4x100m relay team’s silver medal win.
The case highlights the complexities and challenges faced by law enforcement officers in carrying out their duties. It also underscores the importance of accountability and transparency within police departments to uphold public trust and confidence. The reinstatement of the officers serves as a reminder of the need for thorough investigations and fair treatment for all parties involved in such incidents.
