A serving Metropolitan Police officer has been dismissed from the force after he was convicted of assaulting his neighbour during a bitter argument over parking outside their East London homes.
The Incident and Initial Confrontation
The altercation took place on November 29, 2024, when Police Constable Daniel Traynor, 38, returned to his home to find a vehicle obstructing access to his property. The misconduct hearing, held in south London, was told that Pc Traynor made attempts to locate the driver of the parked car.
This led to a confrontation with his neighbour, Joshua Smith. What began as a conversation quickly escalated into a verbal argument. The situation intensified when Mr Smith approached Pc Traynor's home to speak with the officer's partner, but received no answer at the door.
From Argument to Physical Altercation
Pc Traynor and his partner subsequently went to Mr Smith's address. When the neighbour answered, another argument broke out. It was at this point that Pc Traynor pushed Mr Smith with both hands, causing him to fall backwards.
Ring doorbell footage of the incident, presented at the hearing, then showed Mr Smith punch the officer before the pair grappled and fell to the floor. Police were called to the scene to intervene.
Legal Conviction and Dismissal
On November 12, 2025, Pc Traynor was convicted of a single charge of assault by beating at Westminster Magistrates' Court. He was sentenced to:
- 80 hours of unpaid work
- 15 rehabilitation activity days
- A £500 costs order
- A £114 victim surcharge
The misconduct hearing on Monday, chaired by Commander Andy Brittain, determined that the officer's actions constituted gross misconduct. Commander Brittain found Pc Traynor's conduct to be "wholly unbecoming of a police officer" and stated his actions were deliberate and targeted.
Pc Traynor did not attend the hearing, having requested an adjournment for medical reasons, but this application was rejected. The hearing was told the officer denies the allegation, maintains he acted in reasonable self-defence, and has lodged an appeal against his conviction.
Jennie Oborne, representing the appropriate authority, stated the incident caused harm to the victim and to public confidence in policing. Commander Brittain concluded that Pc Traynor could have walked away or sought help but chose to stay as the dispute grew heated, showing no evidence of insight or acceptance of responsibility.
As a result, Pc Daniel Traynor has been dismissed from the Metropolitan Police Service with immediate effect.
