PS Lee Symons outcome summary

Misconduct hearing outcome 

Officer concerned: PS Lee Symons

Dates of hearing: 9 May 2025

Summary

The allegations against PS Symons are that:

Allegation 1:

In May 2024 PS Symons purchased a franchise of a legal company and began practicing, without any prior permission or Business Interest Application, whilst suspended from duty. PS Symons was then instructed to apply for a Business Interest, in line with the Metropolitan Police’s Business Interest Policy.

On 24th September 2024 he applied for a registered Business Interest in order to provide legal advice under a different business name. On 2nd October 2024 PS Symons was informed that the application was refused, based on the business interest being incompatible with his role as a Police Officer and due to ongoing live conduct investigations, for which he was suspended. PS Symons continued to operate within his role at this company until his franchise licence was terminated on 27th November 2024.

The Officer was not was legally represented and was not present at proceedings.

Decision of the hearing

The Panel led by Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor as Chair, found the Allegation 1 proven. Furthermore, the Panel found PS Symons had breached the Standards of Professional Behaviour in respect of Discreditable Conduct and Orders and Instructions and that these breaches amounted to Gross Misconduct.

PS Symons was dismissed without notice and will now be added to the Barred List held by the College of Policing.