Sex-on-duty police officer sacked

A Metropolitan police officer who had sex with a vulnerable woman while supposedly checking on her welfare has been sacked.

Det Con John Richmond, 53, of Amersham, Buckinghamshire, visited the woman a day after she discharged herself from hospital following a drug overdose.

He admitted misconduct in public office and in July was given a nine-month jail sentence, suspended for one year.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission confirmed the dismissal.

The detective was charged with misconduct in public office following an independent investigation.

Amerdeep Somal, from the Independent Police Complaints Commission, said: "John Richmond abused his authority and took advantage of a vulnerable woman while he was supposed to be checking on her welfare.

"I welcome the decision to dismiss him.

"The public have every right to expect to be dealt with professionally and properly at all times by the police and, when somebody behaves in such an unacceptable way, they do not deserve to continue to hold such a position of trust."