A policeman has been sacked after being found guilty of assault while on duty at Heathrow airport.
PC William Eliot, 45, was dismissed by the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS), yesterday (Dec 11), following a special case hearing, chaired by assistant commissioner Martin Hewitt.
The officer was found to be in breach of the professional behaviour conduct including the use of force and authority.
On August 25, 2013, Eliot was on routine patrols when he stopped a vehicle on suspicion of taxi touting and during questioning grabbed the driver round the neck.
He alleged this was because the victim spat at him.
The incident was reported by the victim and also by a colleague.
The 45-year-old was found guilty of assault by beating at Westminster Magistrates Court on August 4, 2014.
He was sentenced on August 18, 2014, to 12 weeks imprisonment suspended for 18 months, 200 hours unpaid work requirement within 12 months, and to pay compensation of £500 and costs of £650.
Detective chief superintendent Alaric Bonthron, directorate of professional standards said: "The vast majority of officers behave professionally at all times, if they don’t then it is important that their actions are carefully and closely scrutinised, if standards have fallen then they will be held to account.
"In this case concerns about the officer's action were of such a degree not only has there been a criminal prosecution which has resulted in the officer being found guilty of assault but there has subsequently been a gross misconduct investigation that has resulted in this officer being sacked.
"We will continue to ensure those that do not behave as they should are thoroughly investigated and where fault is found disciplined through the appropriate channels."
