An Indian-origin detective with the Metropolitan Police in London has been charged with multiple counts of sexual assault, Scotland Yard said on Thursday.
Detective Sergeant (DS) Prakash Patel was charged with five counts of sexual assault on July 24. One of the alleged incidents took place on an unspecified date in the summer of 2024, while the other four allegedly took place on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, police said. “DS Patel was charged on Friday, 24 July, with five counts of sexual assault. It is alleged that one of the incidents took place on an unspecified date in the summer of 2024, while the other four took place on Tuesday, 3 December 2024,” the Met Police said in a statement. An 11-member jury unanimously found Amardip ‘Amo’ Dhariwal, 55, guilty of one count of sexual assault at Reading Crown Court, following a nine-day trial, Thames Valley Police said.
“Detective Sergeant Prakash Patel, attached to the North West Command Unit, will appear before Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Friday, 4 September,” the police added. Fearing how Dhariwal might react if confronted, the victim did not alert him that she was awake during the assault, police said. After spending the evening together, the victim fell asleep on the sofa and awoke the following morning to find that Dhariwal was sexually touching her without her consent. When Dhariwal went upstairs the victim fled the house, calling a friend for help, before reporting the crime to the police.
Detective Commends Victim’s Courage in Legal Proceedings
Detective Constable Clare Hickman praised the victim’s bravery in coming forward to report the offense. Hickman noted the victim’s ongoing engagement throughout the investigation and court process, highlighting the importance of such participation in the pursuit of justice.
