Met Inspector Dave Newman cleared of sexually assaulting three colleagues
Southwark Crown Court judge criticises police investigation delays and Soho drinks event
Incident → evidence → outcomeA Metropolitan Police inspector has been cleared of sexually assaulting three female colleagues during a night out in Soho. Dave Newman, 39, faced three counts of sexual assault following an incident in 2023. The jury at Southwark Crown Court returned unanimous not guilty verdicts on 19 August 2026.
Judge raises concerns over police investigation
His Honour Judge Philip Bartle KC expressed significant concerns about the handling of the case. He described the delay in obtaining witness statements as "inexplicable" and "completely baffling". One officer was not asked to provide a statement until the trial had already begun.
The judge said: "Criminal proceedings should take priority whether it is the police force or any other organisation." He also questioned the decision to host a drinks event in Soho, calling it "very troubling" and noting that shots were distributed, which he said made excessive drinking inevitable.
“It seems quite extraordinary that a senior police officer would host a drinks party in which it was inevitable that people would drink too much.”
Reaction and next steps
Newman, who lives in Luton, showed no emotion as the verdicts were read out. The Metropolitan Police has not commented on the judge’s criticisms or indicated whether an internal review will be conducted. It is unclear if the force will examine the investigation process or the circumstances surrounding the Soho event.
The Crown Prosecution Service has not stated whether it will appeal the verdicts or review its handling of the case. The three complainants have not made public statements since the trial concluded.
Questions this report answers
01What was Dave Newman accused of?
Dave Newman, a Metropolitan Police inspector, was accused of sexually assaulting three female colleagues during a night out in Soho in 2023. The jury at Southwark Crown Court unanimously found him not guilty of all charges on 19 August 2026.
02What concerns did the judge raise about the case?
Judge Philip Bartle KC criticised the police investigation for late witness statements, including one officer not providing a statement until the trial began. He also called the hosting of a drinks event in Soho "very troubling" due to the distribution of shots.
03Will the Metropolitan Police review the case?
It is unclear whether the Metropolitan Police will conduct an internal review. The force has not commented on the judge’s criticisms or indicated any next steps following the verdicts.
04What happens next after the not guilty verdicts?
The Crown Prosecution Service has not stated if it will appeal the verdicts or review its handling of the case. The three complainants and Dave Newman have not made further public statements since the trial concluded.
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