FARE DISPUTE: Off-duty Met Police officer who assaulted TWO taxi drivers dismissed after assault conviction
- Perry Richardson
- Aug 12
- 1 min read
Metropolitan Police officer PC Lee Tilson has been dismissed without notice after being found guilty of two counts of assault.
The incident took place on 3 March 2024 in Springfield Road, Chelmsford, while Tilson was off duty. He assaulted two taxi drivers, punching one in the chest several times and attempting to grab the other through a vehicle window during a dispute over a fare. During the altercation, he identified himself as a police officer and threatened to have the drivers arrested.
Tilson pleaded guilty at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court on 23 May 2025 and was sentenced on 4 July 2025 to 18 weeks in prison.
At a public accelerated misconduct hearing on 8 August 2025, chaired by Commander Katie Lilburn, the allegations were found proven at the level of gross misconduct. The panel concluded that his actions breached the Standards of Professional Behaviour for Discreditable Conduct and significantly undermined public confidence in policing.
Tilson did not attend the hearing, which proceeded in his absence. His federation representative, PC Lisa Hayden, confirmed he was aware of the proceedings. The panel determined that no sanction short of dismissal would meet the seriousness of the case.
He will be placed on the College of Policing barred list, preventing him from serving in policing in future.
