Case fileCourtsSouthwark

Met Police inspector cleared of sexually assaulting three colleagues in Soho

Judge criticises late witness statements and alcohol use at drinks event hosted by Dave Newman

Reporting desk London Crime News Desk|13 Aug 2026, 17:05|4 min read|London Crime News

Met Police inspector cleared of sexually assaulting three colleagues in SohoThe Standard (embedded from source)

A Metropolitan Police inspector has been cleared of sexually assaulting three female colleagues during a night out in Soho in 2023. Dave Newman, 39, was found not guilty on all three counts of sexual assault at Southwark Crown Court on 13 August 2026. The jury reached unanimous verdicts after a trial that lasted several weeks.

Judge criticises police investigation

His Honour Philip Bartle KC expressed concerns about the handling of the case by police investigators. He said it was ‘inexplicable’ that some witnesses were not asked for statements until the trial had already begun. One officer, he noted, was only approached for a statement at the start of the proceedings.

The judge told the court he found the delays ‘completely baffling’. He added that criminal investigations should take priority, regardless of the organisation involved. The Metropolitan Police has not yet responded to the judge’s remarks, as reported by *The Standard*.

Alcohol use at Soho event questioned

The judge also criticised the nature of the drinks event Newman hosted in Soho. He described it as ‘very troubling’, particularly the distribution of shots, which he said made excessive alcohol consumption inevitable. The event took place in 2023 and involved multiple police officers.

“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.”

— His Honour Philip Bartle KC, Southwark Crown Court

Newman, who is based in Luton, showed no visible reaction when the verdicts were delivered. The case has raised questions about police conduct and internal investigations, though no disciplinary action has been confirmed. The Metropolitan Police declined to comment on whether Newman remains on active duty.

What happens next

The Crown Prosecution Service has not indicated whether it will appeal the verdicts. Newman’s legal team has not issued a public statement. The Metropolitan Police said it is reviewing the judge’s comments but has not announced any changes to its procedures for handling internal complaints.

Reader briefing

Questions this report answers

Q/A

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. He faced three counts of sexual assault, all of which he was cleared of at Southwark Crown Court on 13 August 2026.

02Why did the judge criticise the police investigation?

The judge criticised the police investigation for delays in obtaining witness statements. He called it ‘inexplicable’ that some witnesses were not asked for statements until the trial began, and described the handling of the case as ‘completely baffling’.

03What did the judge say about the Soho drinks event?

The judge described the Soho drinks event as ‘very troubling’ due to excessive alcohol consumption. He said it was ‘quite extraordinary’ that a senior police officer hosted an event where shots were distributed, making drunkenness inevitable.

04Will there be any further action against Dave Newman?

No further criminal action will be taken against Dave Newman following his acquittal. The Metropolitan Police has not confirmed whether any internal disciplinary proceedings will follow, as reported by *The Standard*.

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Source-led case desk