Police officers cannot be sacked through vetting, court rules

The Metropolitan Police cannot dismiss officers by removing their vetting clearance, the High Court has ruled.

Sgt Lino Di Maria launched a legal challenge against the force after he had his vetting removed when sexual assault allegations were made against him. He denies all allegations and has not not been charged in connection with them.

Met Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley said the ruling had "left policing in a hopeless position" and the force were seeking leave to appeal.

London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan said the ruling had "significant implications for the work the Met is now doing to clean up the force".

Mrs Justice Lang said in her ruling that the "defendant's powers do not extend to the dismissal of a police officer by reason of withdrawal of vetting clearance".

"Dismissal is a matter which should be provided for in regulations made by the Secretary of State. This results in an anomalous situation where officers who do not have basic vetting clearance cannot be dismissed by the defendant.

"In my view, that anomaly could and should be resolved by regulations."

The commissioner said officers such as Sgt Lino Di Maria would remain on vetting special leave, and descibed the position as a "ridiculous waste of money" but the "least bad option".