A police officer who was caught using his mobile phone to watch a woman showering would have been sacked from his job if he hadn’t already resigned.

The Metropolitan Police found the actions of Det Serg Benjamin McNish, of Benfleet, amounted to gross misconduct.

McNish had been staying in police accommodation in London in February 2019 when he used his phone to view a female resident in the shower.

She saw the phone, got out of the shower and confronted him.

Police were called and McNish was arrested at the scene.

During a trial at Southwark Crown Court, McNish, 30, had claimed he had been using his phone as an “extension of my eyes” to find his razor after forgetting to shave ahead of a work drinks function.

But McNish, 30, was convicted of voyeurism by a jury.

He was handed a 20-week prison sentence which has been suspended for two year, ordered to pay £750 in costs, complete a sexual offenders’ programme and attend rehabilitation.

He was also placed on the sex offender’s register for seven years.

The Metropolitan Police says McNish was suspended from duty at the time of his arrest and resigned from his position shortly after criminal proceedings finished.

A misconduct hearing held today (Wednesday, August 25) has since concluded he would have been dismissed immediately had he not already left his job.

The panel overseeing the hearing said McNish breached the standards of professional behaviour in relation to discreditable conduct and that this amounted to gross misconduct.

Detective Chief Superintendent Stephen Clayman, who is in charge of the East Area Command Unit where McNish worked, said: “DS McNish's actions were completely unacceptable and, quite frankly, shocking.

“He has already resigned from his position, something which I hope reflects his remorse for his appalling behaviour.

“I hope this also provides reassurance to the public regarding the expectations we have of officers in the Met and makes clear that when these standards are not upheld, the Met will take action.”