A Metropolitan Police sergeant has been dismissed from the force after he physically assaulted a man subject to a deportation order while making racist and derogatory comments towards him. The officer, Police Sergeant Navin Thammanna, was found to have committed gross misconduct during an incident at the Fresh Wharf Custody Suite in Barking, east London.
Incident Details and Discriminatory Abuse
The incident occurred on January 25, 2025, when police responded to a report of two men fighting. Officers arrested an Asian man and discovered he was subject to a deportation order. He was subsequently detained and taken to the custody suite. According to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), it was there that Sgt Thammanna verbally abused the detainee, telling him he "smelled like a junkie and shouldn't be in this country."
The IOPC investigation revealed that the detainee was being rude and abusive to officers, leading to his removal to a strip search room. In that room, Sgt Thammanna threatened the man with force if he did not cooperate and then pushed him against a cupboard unit. The following day, the sergeant bragged to a colleague about his use of force against the detainee.
Gross Misconduct Hearing and Dismissal
Sgt Thammanna faced a gross misconduct hearing this week after three of his colleagues reported his behaviour. The disciplinary panel, appointed by the Metropolitan Police and chaired by Commander Katie Lilburn, heard evidence that the officer used unnecessary force and made derogatory, discriminatory comments that breached police standards of professional behaviour.
On Tuesday, the panel found all allegations against Sgt Thammanna proven and ruled that he should be dismissed without notice. He will also be placed on the policing barred list, preventing him from working in law enforcement in the future.
IOPC Condemnation and Colleague Commendation
IOPC director Amanda Rowe strongly condemned the sergeant's actions, stating that police officers, particularly those in detention roles, have a significant responsibility towards vulnerable individuals. She noted that while the detainee was uncooperative, Sgt Thammanna allowed himself to become agitated and responded with abusive, rude, and discriminatory language.
Rowe emphasised that the use of discriminatory language was completely unacceptable and demonstrated a total lack of respect. She added that such behaviour damages public trust and confidence in the police. Regarding the use of force, Rowe clarified that while officers are permitted to use force in certain situations, it must always be reasonable and proportionate. The evidence clearly showed that Sgt Thammanna's actions were excessive and unacceptable.
The IOPC director commended the sergeant's colleagues for raising the matter with their supervisor and providing evidence to support the case. She highlighted this as a positive example of the disciplinary process effectively rooting out poor officer behaviour and maintaining professional standards within the police force.
