Metropolitan Police defends investigation after judge's criticism

A jury at Southwark Crown Court has unanimously found Metropolitan Police Inspector Dave Newman not guilty of three counts of sexual assault against female colleagues. The allegations stemmed from a 2023 drinks event in Soho.

During the proceedings, Judge Philip Bartle KC expressed “considerable concerns” regarding the investigation's conduct. He described the delay in obtaining witness statements as “inexplicable” and “completely baffling,” noting that one officer was not asked for a statement until the trial began.

The judge also criticized the nature of the event itself, stating it was “very troubling” that a senior officer hosted a party where alcohol, including shots, was distributed, making excessive drinking “inevitable.”

A Metropolitan Police spokesperson defended the force, rebutting suggestions that the investigation was handled differently because it involved a serving officer. The spokesperson noted that the jury has already returned not guilty verdicts on all counts.