The Metropolitan Police’s effort to purge officers it deems unsuitable has been dealt a blow after the High Court ruled it cannot dismiss them by removing their vetting. A judge found that Sergeant Lino Di Maria — who had been stripped of his credentials following sexual assault allegations — had been unfairly dismissed,

In a dramatic High Court ruling, the Metropolitan Police's power to dismiss officers by revoking vetting clearance has been deemed illegal

The Metropolitan Police could be forced to reinstate hundreds of officers accused of sexual and domestic abuse after an unprecedented judgment at the High Court.

The force defended a judicial review brought by a sergeant whose vetting was revoked following a series of unproven complaints about his conduct, including rape and sexual assault. He denies the allegations and has not been charged with,