Disgraced Carshalton cop Simon Harwood would not have been able to resign to avoid the sack under new rules.

Home Secretary Theresa May announced this week there would be a "sanction for officers who resign or retire to avoid dismissal."

Mrs May mentioned the case of Harwood, who was re-employed by the Metropolitan Police after being allowed to retire on medical grounds in 2001 following an off-duty road rage incident, before a disciplinary hearing took place.

However, the officer rejoined the Met in late 2004 and in 2009 struck Ian Tomlinson, during the G20 protest, on his leg with his baton and pushed him so he fell to the ground. Mr Tomlinson died after collapsing in the street.

Harwood was cleared of manslaughter but was sacked by the Met after being found guilty of gross misconduct in September last year.