The Metropolitan Police has dismissed PC Stanley Kennett, 31, after a gross misconduct hearing found he had operated a private business while suspended from duty and receiving full pay.
In April 2024, Kennett applied for permission to run The Coffee Cycle, a café venture based inside a bike shop in Storrington, West Sussex.
The business served coffee, cakes, pastries, and catered for events. His application was formally declined by the force on April 30, 2024, and he did not appeal the decision.
Despite this, Kennett continued to run the café while suspended from duty.
By September 2025, evidence showed Kennett was still actively engaged in the business, even while receiving his full police salary.
Commander Andy Brittain, who oversaw the hearing, described the venture as “not simply a hobby” but a clear breach of police rules on outside business interests.
The misconduct panel concluded that Kennett’s actions amounted to gross misconduct, undermining public trust in the police. He was formally dismissed in February 2026.
The case has sparked debate about the culture of off‑duty business activities among police officers. Critics argue that Kennett’s actions highlight gaps in oversight and raise questions about how suspended officers should be monitored.
Supporters of stricter enforcement say the dismissal was necessary to preserve integrity and public confidence in the Metropolitan Police.
PC Stanley Kennett’s dismissal underscores the seriousness with which the Metropolitan Police treats breaches of conduct.
Running a private business while suspended and on full pay was deemed incompatible with the responsibilities of a serving officer.
The case serves as a reminder that transparency and adherence to professional standards remain central to maintaining trust between the police and the public.
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