Andy Brittain, the Met Police’s Borough Commander, was forced to send a letter of apology yesterday to parents in Sutton who had entrusted their children to the police cadets.

Charged: PC Grant Fulker denied abuse charges

PC Grant Fulker was arrested on Monday and appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court yesterday charged with sexual assault on a male aged over 13; abuse of position of trust (incite sexual activity with the complainant and also with a second cadet) and misconduct in a public office.

Fulker denied all charges, except the misconduct charge.

He will appear at Southwark Crown Court on March 20. Until then, he remains remanded in custody, and the Independent Office for Police Conduct has been called in.

It is the latest abuse scandal to rock the Metropolitan Police as it seeks to “reset” its relationship with the public under Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley.

Sir Mark was speaking at City Hall yesterday, talking about a recruitment crisis facing his under-staffed force.

The VPCs, the Volunteer Police Cadets, are the Force’s version of cubs, scouts and guides, aged from 10 to 18,  “that come together with police officers to learn about policing in every London borough”, according to the Met.

Apology: the Borough Commander’s letter to parents of police cadets in Sutton

Fulker, 30, had himself been a police cadet before joining the force. The court was told yesterday that in the Met, Fulker had worked as a supervisor to police cadets and staff officer to a Metropolitan Police commander.

Chief Superintendent Brittain is police commander for Croydon, Bromley and Sutton.

In his letter to the parents of Sutton cadets, Chief Super Brittain wrote, “I am sorry to have to write to inform you that a Metropolitan Police Officer, PC Grant Fulker, has been charged with malfeasance in a public office, sexual assault and abuse of a position of trust by causing/inciting sexual activity with a young person.

“PC Fulker worked with local police cadets in a voluntary role.

“I know that this will raise many questions for you and I hope to be able to answer them in due course…” Brittain then used the on-going legal proceedings to excuse his being unable to provide further details.

In his letter, Brittain advised, “If you have any safeguarding concerns about your child, please contact DS Nicki Sawyer from South Area BCU, who are jointly investigating with the Met’s Directorate of Professional Standards.

“DS Sawyer can be reached at nicki.sawyer@met.police.uk and will reply by telephone at the very earliest convenience. Please quote Op Mochlos in your email.”

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