Met review starts as Des O’Connor’s daughter Kristina sues over ‘misogyny’

A far-reaching review into the Met’s culture and standards began on Monday- as Des O’Connor’s daughter said she was “appalled” that a detective who sexually harassed her kept his job.

Baroness Louise Casey’s probe was ordered in the wake of Sarah Everard’s kidnap, rape and murder at the hands of serving police officer Wayne Couzens last March.

It is expected to take about six months and will investigate the force’s vetting, recruitment and training procedures.

The review is separate to the report carried out by the police watchdog, which last week revealed shocking messages exchanged by police officers about raping and beating women, killing black children and the Holocaust.

Furious mayor Sadiq Khan put Met Commissioner Dame Cressida Dick “on notice” over the latest scandal.

Kristina O’Connor, 33 - daughter of late entertainer Des - said she “questions what it takes for an officer to be dismissed” after a detective told her she was “amazingly hot” when she reported a mugging.

Detective Chief Inspector James Mason, who later became Dame Cressida’s staff officer, was found guilty of gross misconduct last year but is still serving.

Musician Ms O’Connor has launched a judicial review, demanding the force acknowledge its “culture of misogyny”.

She was “emotionally vulnerable” and “bruised” after the 2011 attack in Camden, north London when the officer asked about her work as a croupier at the Playboy Club and whether she wore a bunny outfit.

Ms O’Connor, who said it took 10 years to pluck up the courage to come forward, said: “I no longer trust the police. I feel that I am as likely to be abused by a police officer as I am by anyone else and perhaps even more likely, as I’ve seen that police officers can harm people with impunity.

“I am fearful of having to call or depend upon the police.

“I feel appalled that the officer in question is still serving, I question what it takes for an officer to be dismissed.”

Shortly after the robbery DCI Mason emailed his “favourite Camden victim of crime”, adding: “If you ever fancy having a drink with a very discreet police officer just let me know, it would be my pleasure.”

When challenged about the advances, he replied: “I can assure you that I am as determined in my pursuit of criminals as I am of beautiful women.”

Baroness Casey said following her appointment in October: “Trust is given to the police by our, the public’s, consent.

“So any acts that undermine that trust must be examined and fundamentally changed.”

Armed officer Couzens, 48, used his police issue handcuffs and warrant card to stage a fake arrest of marketing executive Ms Everard, 33, in Clapham, south London. He received a whole life sentence for murder.

A Met spokesman confirmed it was aware of Ms O’Connor’s legal case but said it was not prepared to discuss further.

He said: “We recognise there is a need for real change in the Met.”