Detective Sergeant Charged with Five Counts of Sexual Assault
Officer attached to North West Command Unit to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court.
Incident → evidence → outcomeA Detective Sergeant with the Metropolitan Police has been formally charged with five counts of sexual assault. Detective Sergeant Prakash Patel, who is attached to the North West Command Unit, is scheduled to appear before Westminster Magistrates' Court on Friday, 4 September.
The charges were laid on Friday, 24 July. It is alleged that one sexual assault occurred in the summer of 2024, with the remaining four incidents taking place on Tuesday, 3 December 2024. The allegations involve four women who were known to DS Patel. These women are currently receiving support from investigating officers.
Investigation and Suspension
DS Patel was arrested on Thursday, 24 April 2025. The arrest followed an investigation initiated by the Central South Command Unit, working in conjunction with the Metropolitan Police's Directorate of Professional Standards. He was suspended from his duties on the same day as his arrest.
Further inquiries were conducted, and the case was subsequently referred to the Crown Prosecution Service. The CPS reviewed the evidence and authorised the charges against Detective Sergeant Patel.
Questions this report answers
01What are the charges against Detective Sergeant Prakash Patel?
Detective Sergeant Prakash Patel faces five counts of sexual assault. Four alleged incidents occurred on 3 December 2024, and one is alleged to have taken place in summer 2024.
02When will Detective Sergeant Patel appear in court?
Detective Sergeant Prakash Patel is scheduled to appear before Westminster Magistrates' Court on Friday, 4 September. The charges were authorised on 24 July.
03What was the timeline of the investigation?
DS Patel was arrested on 24 April 2025 and suspended from duty the same day. The case was then referred to the Crown Prosecution Service, which authorised the charges.
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