Met Police cannot dismiss officers by removing their vetting clearance, High Court rules

Tuesday 11 February 2025 11:33, UK

The Metropolitan Police cannot dismiss officers by removing their vetting
clearance, the High Court has ruled.

It comes after the court ruled against the force in what has been described as a
“test case” that could have implications for the sacking of police officers
accused of misconduct.

Sergeant Lino Di Maria, who had his vetting removed because of sexual assault
allegations, brought a legal challenge to the court claiming the process was
unlawful. Mr Di Maria had denied the allegations against him.

The challenge has been described as a “test case” in whether officers can be
removed from duty if they cannot hold the minimum level of vetting.

On Tuesday, the High Court ruled that the vetting clearance decision regarding
Sgt Di Maria be “quashed and reconsidered”.

This means the UK’s largest police force cannot dismiss officers by removing
their vetting after the High Court ruling.

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