Cop sacked for stealing sarnie from Tesco because ‘partner left him and took cat’

A COP has been thrown out of the force for stealing a ­sandwich from Tesco.

PC Samuel Perren, 33, ate the snack and threw the wrapper in a freezer, before walking out of the store without paying.

The police officer, based in Islington, North London, wept as he read a statement begging a Metropolitan Police disciplinary hearing not to sack him.

He said: “I have paid a devastating price.

“My partner left me and took our cat. I have never been lower.”

Perren, who admitted gross misconduct but denied dishonesty, was dismissed without notice.

The officer had been at the Backyard Comedy Club in Bethnal Green before stopping at the supermarket on his way home.

He paid for the rest of his £25.56 shopping at a self-service checkout before being confronted by security guards.

Perren said: “I was under the influence of alcohol. I have no clear recollection of those events.”

Assistant Commissioner Helen King said: ‘I have watched the CCTV showing PC Perren’s action and concur with the summary that on the CCTV he is not obviously drunk.

“The footage shows PC Perren putting an empty sandwich wrapper in a freezer.

“He positions his basket and tellingly looks over his shoulder.

AC King said it was “compelling evidence that he was acting dishonestly”.

Perren sobbed as he read a prepared statement to the hearing, saying: “I don’t intend for this statement to be an excuse. It is not. But I hope it will provide insight into the person I am and also how out of character it is.

“I cannot express just how much I am sorry.”