Baton-stealing Met police officer once hailed a ‘hero’ after off-duty arrest to stop tragedy

A baton-stealing Met police officer was previously praised for “bravely” arresting a man while he was off duty, it has emerged. Toby Biginton, a former special agent attached to the South East Command, stole three police batons, then claimed he had them “because of his role as a police officer” after they were found during a search of his home in 2021.

Biginton’s account – described as “dishonest” by the misconduct commission – was rejected and at Croydon Crown Court on June 9 last year MSC Biginton was found guilty of six counts of theft and two counts of possessing a offensive weapons in a private place. . He appeared at the same court for a court date on Monday, May 20, but the hearing was postponed.

We can now confirm that Biginton has been singled out as an outstanding officer in a Facebook post after he selflessly “jumped into action” to help a man seen walking in the middle of the roadway. Along with another off-duty officer and member of the public, Biginton was punched and spat on while restraining the man and arresting him, preventing a tragic accident.

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The full Facebook post read: “Two off-duty officers traveling home from a shift got more than they bargained for after springing into action to help a man seen walking in the middle of a path. Noticing the officers, the man ran into oncoming traffic.

“Worried he would cause an accident, PC James Robinson and Special Constable Toby Biginton rushed to the man’s aid with the help of a member of the public. Together, the trio managed to apprehend the man.

“However, he responded by kicking and spitting at the group. The man was arrested and taken into custody where he was later charged. Regardless of the situation, our officers are always on hand to help. But we will not tolerate attacks on our police. family.”

In the comments, Biginton and his colleague were hailed as “heroes”, while members of the public thanked them for keeping Londoners safe. A former police officer wrote: “Well done two brave officers and member of the public. You never seem to get the press you deserve, as a former Special I can appreciate your great work.”

“MSC Biginton showed no remorse”

Despite being sacked from the Met Police last year, Biginton’s LinkedIn profile appears to lack an update as it says he is still working as an acting special sergeant and team leader for the Met Ops 11 uniform services. On his profile he says “I currently work in two roles for MPS” then later states “We assist officers in getting the uniform they need to be operational”.

At an expedited misconduct hearing last November, chairman deputy commissioner Matt Twist said Biginton’s actions were aggravated by the fact he gained access to the stolen items while they were in his possession by force.

Biginton’s behavior was “planned and deliberate” over a considerable period of time and he “clearly knew” he should not have had offensive weapons at home, AC Twist wrote. He also found the conduct was “willful, dishonest and a breach of trust” and noted that Biginton, at the time, continued to show no remorse.

Biginton was “dismissed without notice” to preserve public confidence in the police. His former boss, Chief Superintendent Trevor Lawry said there was “no legitimate reason” for Biginton to have the items at home and it was “right” that he was sacked.

“We expect the highest standards from all our employees, including our special agents who have the same powers as police officers. We will not tolerate this type of behavior and we are pleased that a thorough investigation has uncovered his actions Lawry added. Biginton is due to appeal his conviction at the Court of Criminal Appeal.

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