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Brent police sergeant Sarah Matthew dismissed after illegally accessing database

2:06pm Friday 27th January 2012

A Brent police sergeant has been dismissed after she illegally accessed information on a database.

Sarah Matthew, 39, was charged last March with nine offences under Section 55 of the Data Protection Act 1998, following an investigation by the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) Directorate of Professional Standards (DPS). She pleaded guilty at Southwark Crown Court in November to unlawfully accessing police intelligence databases, resulting in her being fined £4,000, and being ordered to pay £2,000 costs.

Yesterday, the MPS held a gross misconduct board meeting, where Ms Matthew was dismissed by the panel for discreditable conduct.

DPS Commander Peter Spindler said: "This kind of behaviour is unacceptable and the panel rightly decided that she no longer has a place within the organisation.

"The officer abused her position and breached the high standards expected by the public and the vast majority of outstanding MPS officers and staff who carry out their service to the public with professionalism and integrity.

"This is a clear demonstration of how the MPS roots out improper behaviour and sends out a clear message to staff and the public that it will not be tolerated."

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