A Metropolitan Police sergeant based in the South West Command Unit — which includes Putney, Wandsworth, Richmond and Merton — has been dismissed without notice for a sustained campaign of coercive control, harassment, and physical abuse against an ex-partner.
The officer, Sergeant Craig Allonby, was found to have committed gross misconduct during a misconduct hearing held earlier this week.
The disciplinary panel concluded that the sergeant had repeatedly breached professional standards of behaviour by engaging in “harassing behaviour, coercive and controlling conduct, and physical abuse” while off duty. His actions, the panel ruled, constituted a serious abuse of trust and brought the police service into disrepute.
According to the Metropolitan Police, the misconduct involved “a sustained campaign” against a former partner and included multiple incidents over a period of time. The panel found that even after the relationship ended, Allonby continued to use threats, intimidation and violence.
In their published findings, the panel stated:
“The officer failed to uphold the standards of professional behaviour expected of a serving officer, including honesty, integrity and respect for others.”
The offences were not prosecuted criminally, but the disciplinary panel stated that the evidence provided a clear basis for dismissal under police conduct regulations. The decision was made to terminate the sergeant’s employment immediately, with no notice period or severance.
The Met’s South West Command Unit covers a broad area of southwest London, including Putney, Roehampton, Battersea, Tooting, Clapham Junction and Richmond. The unit has faced increasing scrutiny over officer conduct in recent years, particularly in the context of wider concerns about policing and violence against women.
A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police said the dismissal was part of the force’s continuing efforts to uphold professional standards and root out unacceptable behaviour within its ranks. While they did not comment on the details of the case, the force confirmed the officer will not be eligible for re-employment.
The case adds to a growing list of disciplinary actions taken against officers for domestic abuse and coercive behaviour, following widespread criticism of police forces across the UK for failing to take misconduct seriously in the past.
Under the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, coercive control is now recognised as a criminal offence — even if no physical violence is used. Campaigners have called for greater training within the police to ensure officers are both aware of and accountable under these laws.
This latest dismissal, while not resulting in criminal charges, is being seen as another sign that the Metropolitan Police is under increasing pressure to reform its internal culture and restore public confidence.
If you have experienced domestic abuse or coercive control, you can contact the National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247.
