EXCLUSIVE: Met Police officer accused of sexual communications with underage girls

Britain's biggest police force is facing a fresh scandal after a police officer was accused of abusing his position to engage in sexual communications with vulnerable teenage girls.

Former PC Sonni Pooni is said to have communicated inappropriately with a number of girls while a serving officer, including allegedly repeatedly sending one money in return for indecent images.

He was arrested while a serving officer by Surrey Police in December 2020, in connection with allegations against a number of underage girls, but no charges followed.

However, the Met subsequently launched a misconduct probe into the same allegations.

Pooni, 28, who left the force after the investigation began, is facing a two-day misconduct hearing in June.

The case has echoes of the Huw Edwards scandal in that Pooni is accused of using his position to get indecent images from one of the teens with a financial incentive.

Veteran newsreader Edwards left the BBC following allegations he paid a 17-year-old boy money for indecent images, although this was not a criminal offence due to his age.

A public notice published ahead of the hearing for former PC Pooni states: "The officer is alleged to have engaged in communications of an inappropriate and sexual nature, with a number of females under the age of 18.

"During the communications he is alleged to have received a number of indecent images and also to have sent money to one of the young females concerned on multiple occasions.

"It is alleged that he did so whilst using his position as a police officer to gain the trust of the vulnerable individuals involved."

It is alleged the behaviour is a breach of the standards of professional behaviour in respect of discreditable conduct, honesty and integrity.

The case will be heard at a misconduct hearing centre in Sutton on June 26 and 27.

Misconduct cases are dealt with on the lower civil evidential threshold of "on the balance of probabilities" rather than the criminal trial test of "beyond reasonable doubt" so such cases can proceed, even if there is no criminal conviction.

A Surrey Police spokesperson said: "A 28-year-old man was arrested in December 2020 in connection with an allegation of online child sex offences.

"The allegation was thoroughly investigated, and all lines of enquiry were pursued.

"There was insufficient evidence to take the matter to the CPS for a charging decision, and the allegation has since been filed.

"The victims were made aware of this outcome at the time."