A serving police officer has been found guilty of sexually assaulting a child while off duty at a party in Essex.

Police Constable Farhan Ghadiali, attached to the Metropolitan Police's Central West Command, was found guilty of sexual assault on Friday (March 24) after a trial at Chelmsford Crown Court.

This follows an investigation by Essex Police.

It was alleged that PC Ghadiali, whilst off duty, had sexually assaulted a child on Sunday, September 22 2019 at a party held in Buckhurst Hill, Essex.

The officer was charged by Essex Police and originally appeared for trial at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court in May 2022. The outcome was a hung jury.

Detective Sergeant Sarah Barker, who led Essex Police's investigation, said: “This has been a complex and sensitive investigation, and I can’t begin to imagine the turmoil the victim and their family have been through over the past four years.

"I’d like to thank them for placing their trust and confidence in us throughout this investigation, so that we could get them the justice they so rightfully deserves.

"Reports and offences of this kind never become less shocking and it’s as difficult as ever to accept that any police officer could do this to someone who looks up to them for protection.

"Nobody is above the law, and I hope that results like these show our determination to root out criminals, no matter who they are.

"No child or parent should ever have to experience this, and I hope that Ghadiali’s conviction will bring some comfort.”

Ghadiali, of Fyfield Road, Woodford Green, will be sentenced on April 28.

Detective Chief Superintendent Sean Wilson of Area West Command Unit said: "PC Ghadiali has been found guilty of an extremely serious offence made even worse by the fact he is a serving police officer; someone who should be protecting the public from harm.

"PC Ghadiali had betrayed the oath he made when he became a police officer, his actions are shocking and appalling.

"We are determined to prove to the public they can trust the Metropolitan Police Service, and our officers will be made to account for their actions if they fail to abide by our standards.”

The Met’s Directorate of Professional Standards were informed of PC Ghadiali’s arrest and he was suspended from duty.

Now that criminal proceedings have concluded a misconduct hearing will follow.