Met Inspector cleared of sexual assault after judge criticises investigation

A Met Police inspector has been cleared of sexually assaulting three female colleagues during a night out in Soho last year. Inspector Dave Newman, 39, was unanimously acquitted of all three charges at Southwark Crown Court on 29 July 2024.

The case drew sharp criticism from Judge Philip Bartle KC, who presided over the trial. He expressed 'considerable concerns' about the investigation, describing delays in obtaining witness statements as 'inexplicable'. One officer was not asked for a statement until the trial began, which the judge called 'completely baffling'.

Met Police defends investigation

The Metropolitan Police responded to the judge’s remarks, rejecting any suggestion that the case was not thoroughly investigated. A force spokesman told the *Evening Standard* on 30 July 2024: 'We rebut any suggestion that this matter was not thoroughly investigated due to the report involving a serving police officer.'

The spokesman added that the jury’s decision to acquit Newman on all counts supported the force’s position. The trial heard allegations that the offences occurred during a drinks event in Soho in 2023, where shots were served.

Judge questions event itself

Judge Bartle also criticised the nature of the event where the alleged assaults took place. He described it as 'very troubling' that a senior officer organised a gathering where excessive drinking was likely. '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,' he said.

The judge added that the distribution of shots at the event was particularly concerning. No further action has been announced regarding the event itself or the conduct of those who attended.

What happens next

It is unclear whether the Met Police will review its handling of the investigation following the judge’s criticisms. The force has not indicated any plans to re-examine the case or the procedures that led to the delayed witness statements. Newman remains a serving officer, though his current duties are not publicly known.