Former Bermondsey neighbourhood cop sacked for gross misconduct

43-year-old PC Holt was arrested in November 2011 in connection with a fraud relating to housing benefit.

The officer was the subject of an investigation by the BBC's Panorama programme which found that he was unlawfully subletting his Southwark Council flat in Bermondsey.

On 15 November 2012 he pleaded guilty to two criminal charges of fraud at Croydon Crown Court and was subsequently sentenced on 20 December to 200 hours community service.

PC Holt was suspended from police duties prior to his arrest.

Following his conviction the Met was able to go ahead with its own misconduct proceedings.

This week a disciplinary panel found that his actions brought discredit on the police service as a whole.

"Having considered all available options, the panel found that due to the serious nature of the offences for which he has been convicted, there was only one appropriate outcome in this case and PC Holt was dismissed from the MPS without notice," said Commander Allan Gibson from the Met's directorate of professional standards.

"There is no doubt that the actions of PC Holt brought discredit on the MPS and reflect badly on the thousands of officers who are honest and work tirelessly for the people of London."

Whilst working in Grange ward PC Holt was awarded free membership of the Bermondsey Street Area Partnership in recognition of his contribution to the organisation.

In December 2009 PC Holt read a lesson at the Mayor of London's Christmas carol service at Southwark Cathedral.