Police Constable Shola Balogun, a Nigerian-British officer stationed at Bromley Police Station, has been formally dismissed from his position following allegations of physical assault against a fellow officer.
The decision was made during a formal misconduct hearing conducted by the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) between October 21 and 23, 2024,
It was learnt that the incident occurred at a private birthday celebration at Goals Sports Bar in Bexleyheath, Kent, on April 22, 2022.
The hearing panel, led by high-ranking official Christopher McKay, along with IPM Amanda Harvey and Assessor-Detective Superintendent Kirsty Mead, deliberated on the details of the case, ultimately concluding Balogun’s actions as a breach of conduct.
According to the official hearing document, Balogun and the unnamed officer, both based at Bromley Police Station, had attended the 40th birthday party of another police colleague, with approximately 70 guests present.
The report detailed that the only police officers in attendance aside from the celebrant were Balogun and the victim, both of whom had a longstanding, friendly working relationship since being assigned to the Bromley station in June 2018.
Testimonies revealed that both officers had engaged in light-hearted interactions in the past, maintaining what they described as a cordial rapport.
The incident reportedly began when Balogun, who admitted to consuming alcohol prior to his arrival, encountered the colleague during the party. At around 11:30 p.m., the victim recounted climbing a staircase from the dance floor only to find Balogun positioned ahead of him.
Without warning, Balogun allegedly reached out, removed the victim’s glasses, and dropped them to the floor.
Surprised, the victim approached Balogun, reportedly in a friendly manner, only to be met with resistance as Balogun placed his hand on the victim's throat.
In an ensuing conversation, hindered by loud music, the victim alleged that Balogun leaned forward and unexpectedly bit him on the right side of his face. The victim described the interaction as escalating unexpectedly from previous friendly exchanges.
Balogun, however, presented a different version of events, claiming the removal of the glasses was accidental and denying any intentional escalation.
Despite his defense, the hearing panel concluded that the alleged actions constituted gross misconduct, resulting in Balogun’s dismissal from the force.
