A former Metropolitan Police officer has been jailed for sexually assaulting a child at a party.

Pc Farhan Ghadiali, of Woodford Green, Essex, attacked the girl while off duty in September 2019.

Chelmsford Crown Court heard this caused the victim, who was under the age of 13, ‘profound psychological issues’.

Kate Davey, prosecuting, stressed the girl had been ‘traumatised at every level’, ‘cries a lot, she’s very scared’ and has ‘self-harmed because of this’.

She told today’s hearing that the 44-year-old who had no previous convictions, and ‘had been drinking heavily that day’.

Orla Davy, mitigating, said: ‘This was absolutely a one-off incident. It was a brief incident and it was an incident of touching over the victim’s clothing.’

After an investigation was launched by Essex Police, Ghadiali was suspended from from duty in December 2020.

Earlier this month, the force sacked him after the panel considered the allegations proven to be gross misconduct.

The officer, who was attached to the Central West Command Unit, was found guilty of sexually assaulting a child under the age of 13 following an earlier trial.

Judge Christopher Morgan told Ghadiali this was a ‘serious offence against a very young child’.

He said that the conviction had brought his police career to an end, adding: ‘You may find it very difficult to find employment in future.’

Ghadiali was sentenced to 30 months behind bars and made him subject to an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

He showed no visible reaction as officers led him to the cells.

Need support?

For emotional support you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email [email protected], visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website.

If you’re a young person, or concerned about a young person, you can also contact PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide UK. Their HOPELINK digital support platform is open 24/7, or you can call 0800 068 4141, text 07860039967 or email: [email protected] between the hours of 9am and midnight.

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