Met PC Sacked Over 'Appalling' Discriminatory Remarks

Met PC Sacked Over 'Appalling' Remarks Exposed by Undercover Probe

PC Charlie Cano, formerly stationed at Charing Cross, has been dismissed from the Metropolitan Police after an accelerated misconduct hearing found him guilty of gross misconduct. The hearing detailed his "appalling" behaviour, including making inappropriate and discriminatory comments about two women, and boasting about using force against a teenage female detainee.

Cano's conduct came to light following an undercover BBC Panorama investigation into the central London police station in October 2025. Unaired footage captured his remarks, leading to his immediate suspension.

Commander Simon Messinger unequivocally condemned Cano's actions, stating that the behaviour recorded by the undercover journalist working covertly in the custody suite was "appalling". The hearing concluded that PC Cano breached professional standards relating to discreditable conduct, authority, respect and courtesy, and equality and diversity.

This dismissal marks the tenth serving or former officer to be found guilty of gross misconduct as a direct result of Panorama's undercover investigation at Charing Cross. Commander Messinger affirmed the Met's ongoing support for an Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) investigation into the conduct of "a number of officers" at the station, reiterating the force's commitment to raising standards and improving its culture across London. The IOPC is also pursuing criminal investigations into other former officers from the same station.