The Metropolitan Police has won a High Court battle against Kristina O’Connor, the daughter of the late entertainer Des O’Connor, who accused a detective of making inappropriate remarks. The incident occurred in October 2011 when James Mason responded to an attempted robbery call made by Ms O’Connor, who had been attacked by a gang trying to steal her phone in London.
During the interview, Ms O’Connor claimed that Mr Mason asked invasive questions with sexual overtones and later sent her several inappropriate messages. One of the messages read, “If you ever fancy having a drink with a very discreet police officer, just let me know, it would be my pleasure. If you have any visible injuries that you would like me to record then I am happy to take a picture for you and save it in case we manage to get any further in the investigation. I hope it doesn’t hurt too much and I am sure you still look amazingly hot.”
Ms O’Connor filed a complaint against Mr Mason’s conduct, leading to a disciplinary process that resulted in a final written warning for Mr Mason in 2021. Despite the warning, Mr Mason was able to keep his rank but subsequently resigned from the force in November of the same year.
Ms O’Connor alleged that the misconduct panel failed to address Mr Mason’s predatory and abusive actions and accused the Metropolitan Police of failing to properly investigate her complaint. She took legal action against the misconduct panel and the force, but her claims were disputed by police chiefs and the panel.
The case was heard by Mr Justice Swift at the High Court in London, who ruled against Ms O’Connor and dismissed her application for a judicial review. In his ruling, Mr Justice Swift stated that sufficient steps were taken during the disciplinary process and that the panel had considered the nature of the harassment. He also mentioned that the panel attached weight to the fact that the complaint was made many years after the misconduct had occurred and Mr Mason’s previous record of good service.
Lawyers representing Ms O’Connor have expressed their disappointment with the ruling and stated their intention to appeal. Ms O’Connor herself expressed her frustration with the process but vowed to continue fighting for justice for women.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Stuart Cundy of the Metropolitan Police acknowledged the seriousness of the allegations against Mr Mason and emphasized that his behavior was wholly unacceptable. He stated that the Met does not seek to justify the panel’s decision and that officers who behave in such a manner have no place in the force.
The outcome of this case highlights the ongoing struggle for justice in cases of sexual harassment and misconduct.
