A Metropolitan Police officer who was allowed to keep his job after he slapped a woman’s bum then went on to sexually assault another officer, a tribunal heard. 

PC Matthew Steel was made the subject of a Reflective Practice Review, but kept his job, after he slapped a female colleague’s bottom on a night out in early 2022. 

But just months later he was on another night out darts bar Flight Club when he touched the upper thigh of another female colleague. 

One witness said: “The instant I saw this, PC X and I made eye contact and her expression suggested she was shocked by what happened, like ‘What the f*** just happened?’. I remember saying to my colleague, ‘Matt has just grabbed PC X’s leg’ and I think we spoke briefly about how weird it was’.” 

PC Steel, part of the Territorial Support Group Unit, admitted touching her inner thigh but said it was not sexual.

On November 15 a tribunal concluded that the touching was sexual and was without her consent. 

The panel said it was clear that PC Steel had not learned from his reflections or past behaviour. 

PC Steel was therefore dismissed without notice. 

Superintendent Martin Kirby, lead officer for Met Operations Taskforce, said: “The Met demands the highest standards from our officers while both on and off duty. 

“PC Steel’s behaviour has fallen far below this level and he has been dismissed from his role. 

“We have been clear in our commitment to remove any officer who does not attain the standards we, and the public, rightfully demand.”