UK Metropolitan Police Officer Shola Balogun was dismissed following an incident where he allegedly bit a fellow officer during a private event. The dismissal, finalized by a panel hearing on October 23, 2024, revealed the details of an altercation between Balogun, a Nigerian-British officer stationed at Bromley Police Station, and another officer at a birthday celebration in Bexleyheath, Kent.
The incident reportedly took place on April 22, 2022, at Goals Sports Bar, where around 70 guests had gathered to celebrate a colleague’s 40th birthday. Among those in attendance were several members of Bromley Police Station, including Balogun and the alleged victim. Balogun’s disciplinary hearing panel, led by officer Christopher McKay, with Amanda Harvey and Detective Superintendent Kirsty Mead as panel members, reviewed the circumstances surrounding the conflict.
According to official documents, Balogun arrived at the party after consuming alcohol, a factor that potentially contributed to the altercation. Statements revealed a history of friendly interactions and “light-hearted horseplay” between Balogun and the other officer, but nothing suggesting animosity.
However, accounts diverged on the night’s events. At approximately 11:30 p.m., the victim claimed that Balogun snatched his glasses, threw them to the floor, and then pushed him by the throat when confronted. The situation escalated when Balogun allegedly leaned in and bit the officer on the side of his face.
Balogun’s version of events differed significantly, asserting that he had only knocked the victim’s glasses off accidentally and denying any physical aggression, including the alleged bite. Medical evidence, however, supported the victim’s claim, with diagnoses indicating a facial bite.
The panel report highlighted the serious impact of Balogun’s alleged actions on the police force’s reputation, noting that officers are expected to uphold high standards on and off duty. The panel stated, “The Regulation 30 Notice alleges that by acting in the way described, PC Balogun brought discredit to the police service and undermined public trust in the Metropolitan Police Service.” They concluded that an assault on a fellow officer reflected “discreditable conduct,” breaching the College of Policing’s Code of Ethics.
Despite testimony from colleagues and a supervisor vouching for Balogun’s professional demeanor and good character, the panel cited prior disciplinary issues. In their ruling, they referenced legal precedent stressing that public confidence in police conduct outweighs mitigating personal qualities in cases involving misconduct. Citing these standards, the panel declared, “PC Balogun does not have an unblemished past and the previous misconduct proved against him is serious… The only appropriate and proportionate outcome in this case is Dismissal Without Notice.”
