Baton-stealing Met Police officer was once called 'hero' after off-duty arrest to stop tragedy

A baton-stealing Met Police officer was previously lauded for 'bravely' arresting a man while he was off-duty, it has emerged. Toby Biginton, formerly a Special Constable attached to South East Command Unit, stole three police batons, then claimed he had them 'due to his police role' after they were found during a search of his home in 2021.

Biginton's account - described as 'dishonest' by the misconduct panel - 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 possession of an offensive weapon in a private place. He appeared at the same court for a sentencing hearing on Monday, May 20, but the hearing was adjourned.

Now we can confirm Biginton was highlighted as a standout officer in a Facebook post after selflessly 'jumping into action' to help a man seen walking down the middle of the carriageway. Along with another off-duty officer and member of the public, Biginton was kicked and spat at as he detained the man and took him into custody, preventing a tragic accident.

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The full Facebook post said: "Two off-duty officers travelling home from a shift got more than they bargained for, after jumping into action to help a man seen walking down the middle of a carriageway. Noticing the officers, the man fled into the 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 detain the man.

"However, he responded by kicking and spitting at the group. The man was arrested and taken to custody where he was later charged. No matter the situation, our officers are always on hand to help. But we will not tolerate assaults on our police family."

In the comments, Biginton and his colleague were applauded as 'heroes' as members of the public thanked them for keeping Londoners safe. One former police officer wrote: "Well done two brave officers and the member of the public. You guys never seem to get the press you deserve, as an ex-Special I can appreciate your great work."

'MSC Biginton has shown no remorse'

Despite being sacked from the Met Police last year, Biginton's LinkedIn profile appears to be missing an update as it says he still works as an Acting Special Sergeant and as a Team Leader for Met Ops 11 Uniform Services. On his profile he says 'I currently work in two roles for the MPS', then later states 'We assist officers in obtaining the uniform they need to be operational'.

At an accelerated misconduct hearing held in November last year, the misconduct panel chair, Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist, said Biginton's actions were compounded by the fact he gained access to the stolen items whilst they were entrusted to him by the force.

Biginton's behaviour was 'planned and deliberate' over a considerable period of time, and 'he clearly knew' he should not have had offensive weapons at his home, AC Twist wrote. He also found the behaviour was 'intentional, dishonest, and a breach of trust', and noted Biginton, at the time, continued to show no remorse.

Biginton was 'dismissed without notice' to preserve public trust and confidence in policing. 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' he was sacked.

"We expect the highest standards from all of our employees, including our special constables who have the same powers as police officers. We will not tolerate this type of behaviour and we are pleased that a thorough investigation brought his actions to light," Chief Supt Lawry added. Biginton is due to challenge his conviction at the Criminal Court of Appeal.

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