A serving Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) has been convicted of sexually assaulting a female colleague in a police station gym.

PCSO Edward Oniba was attached to the Met’s North West Basic Command Unit, which covers Brent, Barnet and Harrow.

He was found guilty of sexual assault by touching at Harrow Crown Court on Monday (March 13).

His actions were described as “inappropriate” and “unacceptable” by Chief Superintendent Dan Knowles, who said he was “absolutely appalled" by the incident.

The court heard that in October 2020, PCSO Oniba made inappropriate comments to a female colleague in the gym at a north London police station. He was on duty at the time.

PCSO Oniba also hugged and kissed his victim on the neck without consent.

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The incident was reported in March 2021 and PCSO Oniba was interviewed under caution in May 2021.

He admitted to hugging the victim, but he denied kissing her on the neck.

The case was submitted to the Crown Prosecution Service and PCSO Oniba was charged via postal-requisition on 20 April 2022.

Chief Superintendent Dan Knowles, who is in charge of policing for the North West BCU, said: “I am absolutely appalled by PCSO Oniba’s completely inappropriate behaviour, which has absolutely no place in the Met.

“No one should be subject to sexual assault, especially in their place of work. I would like to thank the victim for coming forward and speaking up about her colleague’s unacceptable behaviour.

“PCSO Oniba has been convicted and will now face the consequences.”

A police spokesperson said that misconduct proceedings will now take place as soon as possible and that PCSO Oniba remains suspended from duty.