Met Officer's Sex Addiction Claim Dismissed in Discrimination Case

A senior officer of the Metropolitan Police Service has faced a setback in his discrimination lawsuit against the force. The case, which revolved around allegations of exposed sex addiction, was dismissed by an employment tribunal judge.

Jeffrey Boothe, a high-ranking officer whose responsibilities included initiatives to increase female representation in the Met, admitted to paying for sexual services. Boothe claimed that the force had leaked information about his condition to the media, causing him significant stress and anxiety.

The case began in March 2024 when Boothe initiated legal proceedings against the Met. His initial claim was based on a diagnosis of sex addiction from a psychologist who had established a treatment association for the condition in 2015. However, after encountering difficulties in classifying sex addiction as a disability, Boothe attempted to reframe his condition as Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD).

Employment Judge Pavel Klimov rejected Boothe's revised claim, stating that the only evidence of OCD was the officer's own assertion. This ruling came after it was revealed that Boothe had previously kept his position in 2019 by agreeing to undergo treatment for sex addiction.

The Met, founded by Sir Robert Peel in 1829, is the largest police force in the UK with over 43,000 officers and staff. It covers an area of 620 square miles and serves a population exceeding 8 million. The force has been working to increase diversity within its ranks, including efforts to recruit more women and ethnic minorities.

This case has raised questions about the handling of misconduct within the police force. The Professional Standards Department, responsible for investigating complaints against officers, had initially uncovered Boothe's actions when his phone was seized during an unrelated matter. Instead of facing a gross misconduct board, which could have resulted in dismissal, Boothe received "words of advice," the lowest form of censure.

The London Assembly, a 25-member elected body that scrutinizes the Mayor of London's activities, expressed concern when the case first came to light in May 2023. At that time, it was reported that an unnamed "high-flying" officer with a £100,000 annual salary package had been allowed to retain his position despite using prostitutes.

This incident adds to the list of controversies faced by the Met over the years, including issues of racism, corruption, and mishandling of cases. The force, with its headquarters at New Scotland Yard in Westminster, operates under intense public scrutiny and is overseen by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

The dismissal of Boothe's case highlights the complexities of employment law and the challenges in classifying certain behaviors as disabilities under the Equality Act 2010. It also underscores the ongoing efforts to maintain professional standards within the police force, which has a disciplinary system ranging from words of advice to dismissal without notice.

As the Met continues its work with a budget of approximately £3.9 billion for 2023/24, cases like this serve as a reminder of the importance of transparency and accountability in law enforcement.

"We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of professional conduct among our officers and staff. Each case is thoroughly investigated, and appropriate action is taken where necessary. We continue to work towards creating a diverse and inclusive force that serves all Londoners effectively."