A Metropolitan Police officer cleared of touching the breasts of a woman at one of London’s most prominent nightclubs is still facing the sack.
PC Sijanta Thapa, 30, had been arrested by his own colleagues who arrived to detain a male suspect inside Heaven on Villiers Street, a gross misconduct panel will hear.
Thapa, of Charlton, was found not guilty of sexual assault when the prosecution offered no evidence at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on August 22 last year, official records show.
But according to a notice of his three-day disciplinary hearing due to start on August 27: “It is alleged that on January 16, 2024 at Heaven nightclub, Westminster, London, PC Thapa sexually assaulted a member of the public by touching her breasts.”
It is said he breached the standards of professional behaviour relating to authority, respect, courtesy and discreditable conduct to a level, if proven, “that it is so serious as to justify dismissal”.
A female presented herself to staff at the popular LGBTQ+ venue using the force’s own approved “Ask for Angela” scheme to make London’s clubs and bars safer for women at night.
Police were called and an officer recognised the suspect as Thapa when club security opened the door to a room where he was being detained.
A report at the time said the woman went to the Heaven with around ten friends to watch a drag show.
At around 3am they met at the bar to get some drinks.
As she was waiting, a male came up and asked if she wanted to dance to which she agreed. CCTV footage of the alleged dancefloor incident was obtained.
Thapa is suspended from the Central West command unit covering Westminster, Hammersmith and Fulham and Kensington and Chelsea.
A force spokeswoman said: “PC Sijanta Thapa appeared for trial at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, August 22, 2024 charged with sexual assault by touching.
“The trial was dismissed and PC Thapa was acquitted.
“Thapa remains suspended from duty.
“Now that criminal proceedings have concluded, the misconduct process will continue.”
Last November, Heaven - which has operated in Charing Cross for more than 40 years - was forced to close temporarily after the Met raised alleged public safety concerns with Westminster City Council.
A licensing sub-committee heard owner Jeremy Joseph had been dismayed police used many reports they submitted to label it the West End’s “highest crime generator”.
The closure happened after a security guard was charged with raping a 19-year-old woman in the back seat of his Lexus car during a shift at the venue.
In May, Morenikeji Adewole, 47, of Dartford, Kent, was acquitted at Southwark Crown Court.
The defendant cried and wiped away tears with tissues in the dock as the verdicts were delivered.
