A Met Police officer has been sacked from the force after he was found to have spanked a 13 year old girl on ‘her bare bottom on numerous occasions’. 

PC Ross Benson, who was attached to the North West Basic Command unit, was hauled in front of a misconduct panel over allegations which dated from between April and August 2018. 

The misconduct panel heard that Benson spanked the girl, who was known to  him, while off duty. 

His victim was aged between 12 and 13 at the time of the attacks. 

Benson was arrested on November 6, 2020 by Bedfordshire Police on suspicion of sexual assault. The case was dropped in September 2021 when he was told that he faced no further action. 

According to Scotland Yard, Bedfordshire Police informed them about the allegation which led to a misconduct hearing by the Directorate of Professional Standards. 

The panel found that Benson  had ‘breached the standard of professional behaviour relating to discreditable conduct at the level of gross misconduct’. 

The panel found there was ‘a sexual element’ to the spankings.  

Detective Superintendent Will Lexton-Jones, said: ‘My thoughts are first and foremost with the victim who displayed courage in reporting this. PC Benson’s abhorrent behaviour has led to his immediate dismissal, which is a decision I fully support.

‘I hope this outcome demonstrates how we are rooting out those who do not demonstrate the high standards we demand from our officers.’ 

Scotland Yard said as well as being sacked, Benson has also been placed on the barred list held by the College of Policing. 

He will now be prevented from joining another police force, local policing bodies (PCCs), the Independent Office for Police Conduct or His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services. 

MailOnline has contacted Scotland Yard to determine when they were first made aware of the allegations concerning Benson and whether he was placed on restricted duties or suspended ahead of the disciplinary hearing.