PC cleared of manslaughter sacked at Met Police hearing (From Sutton Guardian)

Carshalton cop Simon Harwood found guily of gross misconduct

3:53pm Monday 17th September 2012 in News By James Pepper

A suspended police officer who was cleared of manslaughter has been sacked after being found guilty of gross misconduct.

PC Simon Harwood, from Carshalton, admitted to a Metropolitan Police hearing this morning that he had struck a G20 protester Ian Tomlinson on his leg with his baton and that he pushed him so he fell to the ground.

Newspaper vendor Mr Tomlinson died in April 2009 when he collapsed in the street after being struck by PC Harwood.

PC Harwood was cleared of manslaughter at Southwark Crown Court in July, and at today's hearing, the panel said it would not consider whether or not PC Harwood' actions caused or contributed to his death.

At the hearing, which was the first of its kind to be helped in public, Patrick Gibbs QC, for Harwood, said: "PC Harwood does indeed accept that the discredit which his actions, and the way in which they have been reported, has brought upon the Metropolitan Police Service amounts to gross misconduct."

Today's hearing was told the officer had twice offered to resign from the Met over the incident.

It found PC Harwood had breached standards over discreditable conduct, use of force and authority, and respect and courtesy.

Mr Gibbs told the hearing the officer accepted that it was "impossible for him ever again to be employed as a police officer".

PC Harwood was allowed to retire on medical grounds in 2001 following an off-duty road rage incident before a disciplinary hearing took place.

However, the officer rejoined the Met in late 2004 as part of its territorial support group specialising in public order. Scotland Yard's vetting unit had considered the road rage incident, but had not reviewed the full file.

Mr Tomlinson's widow walked out after the verdict today, calling it a "whitewash".