A Metropolitan police officer, Sex Offender Thomas Hartill, who displayed his erect penis to a Tinder date subsequently pursued another lady he encountered online while employed in a Metropolitan Police protection section. Thomas Hartill, a former detective constable with the North West Command Unit, admitted guilt to one count of stalking at Highbury Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, March 14, two months subsequent to his conviction for sexual misconduct at a Metropolitan Police tribunal.
The 37-year-old resident, Thomas Hartill, of Station Road, Harpenden, has previously held positions as an actor and director, featuring in West End shows such as As You Like It, Jekyll and Hyde, and The Intruder. Upon joining the Metropolitan Police, the actor collaborated closely with female victims of stalking and abuse within a safeguarding section.
On Thursday, prosecutor Martin Edwards informed the court that Thomas Hartill encountered a female teacher on a dating application in July of the previous year, while he was still an active officer. After a few weeks of dating a woman nine years his junior, she ended the relationship.
However, instead of acknowledging the conclusion of the relationship, Thomas Hartill persistently contacted her and even exchanged phones after she blocked his number, as presented in court. Thomas Hartill thereafter pursued her, emerging at a bus stop during her commute home from work on July 30 of the previous year, then again on September 7, stated Mr. Edwards.
“I am exceedingly apprehensive and uneasy regarding him.” “Particularly given the six-week hiatus,” the victim articulated in her impact statement. “His conduct is inducing anxiety in me.” The incessant messaging is both distracting and troubling… I am perpetually anxious and apprehensive. It renders me profoundly insecure.
Defence attorney James O’Donnell stated that Thomas Hartill had shown contrition while requesting a comprehensive report from the probation department. Chair Amanda Gibbons granted Hartill bail on the stipulation that he refrains from contacting his victim. Thomas Hartill sputtered, ‘I have no justification to,’ as Ms. Gibbons cautioned him that any violation of the condition could result in incarceration.
Thomas Hartill’s criminal conviction follows his resignation from the Metropolitan Police in January 2024, before to a misconduct hearing that month. The tribunal was informed that the victim appeared distressed and confided in a friend, stating, ‘I believe I was sexually abused last night’ following her encounter with Thomas Hartill.
Similar to Thomas Hartill’s stalker victim, the couple connected via a dating application, specifically Tinder, and subsequently arranged to meet in person. The victim stated that they shared a kiss on a bench, but she declined to participate in sexual behaviour when Thomas Hartill positioned her hand on his penis. Notwithstanding her protests, he repeated the action. Subsequently, during a trip in her vehicle, she reported that Thomas Hartill unveiled his erect penis and uttered ‘Go on’ without her consent.
She informed the panel that ‘Thomas Hartill consistently redirected the discussion towards the sexual aspects of a relationship, whereas she sought a long-term commitment.’ In his defence, Thomas Hartill alleged that the victim transmitted bikini photographs and a nude image. The panel stated that Thomas Hartill ‘probably’ obtained the bikini photographs on Facebook, and he was unable to verify the identity of the naked woman due to the cropping of her face.
The panel found the victim’s testimony credible, indicating that Thomas Hartill touched her genitalia twice without consent and exposed himself in the vehicle. The victim testified about the psychological effects she experienced, stating that she would now ‘freeze’ upon hearing a police siren and had commenced therapy to manage the repercussions of Thomas Hartill’s conduct.
The panel determined that Thomas Hartill’s conduct was recurrent, intentional, and aimed at obtaining sexual enjoyment. If Thomas Hartill had not already resigned, the panel determined that he was guilty of gross misconduct and would have been dismissed regardless.
On Friday, March 15, a representative for the Metropolitan Police acknowledged that former Detective Constable Thomas Hartill was employed in a safeguarding unit and, consequently, would have interacted with victims of stalking offences.
Chief Superintendent Sara Leach, head of the Met’s North West Policing Command, stated: “There is no justification for the conduct of this officer.” Given his previous position as a police officer, Thomas Hartill would have been cognisant of the severe repercussions of stalking, rendering his misconduct even more disheartening.
DC Thomas Hartill has been terminated from the Metropolitan Police and has been placed on a barred list maintained by the College of Policing, prohibiting his future employment with any police force. Following his conviction on Thursday, Thomas Hartill is scheduled to be sentenced at the same court in April.
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