Both McHugh’s and Rebbeck’s actions were described by the panel as a “gross breach of trust”.

The panel was told that Rebbeck resigned after the allegations came to light and, when questioned, said she “felt curious, anxious and invested in the outcome of the investigation”.

McHugh had looked at information about Everard’s medical history, relationships, employment and lifestyle.

The panel said his conduct was at the “higher level of harm”. He was dismissed without notice for repeatedly accessing the police system on matters “that had nothing to do with his duties”.

Data accessed “extensively and cumulatively”

McHugh reviewed personal data that was “very sensitive” and “attempted to discuss what he saw with his colleagues,” according to commission chair Sharmistha Michaels.

She said she acted out of “curiosity” about the investigation because she accessed “extensive and accumulated” data, but stopped looking for information after Couzens was arrested.

The commission also noted that the misconduct occurred at a time of national concern.

Sgt Harper, who works in a custody unit in Croydon, was given a final written warning.

The material he saw was about Couzens and he had accessed it out of professional “curiosity” to see how charging decisions were progressing and not for information about Everard.

The panel considered that the information it reviewed contained limited detail and did not review more sensitive areas. There was no evidence that it affected the investigation, but it undermined it public confidence in the police.

Sgt Harper was still working as a custodial sergeant but with certain restrictions, the commission said.

After the hearing, the Met said the panel heard McHugh accessed the information off-duty and for a significant period of time, while Rebbeck was found to have repeatedly accessed sensitive data unrelated to his duties.

The panel decided that the breaches of professional standards were so serious that the only appropriate outcome was dismissal.

Det Con Tyrone Ward, former Inspector Akinwale Ajose-Adeogun and former Det Sgt Robert Butters faced the same misconduct hearing.

The panel concluded that they had a legitimate reason to access the relevant information and therefore did not breach standards of professional police conduct.

Another serving officer will face a separate hearing for serious misconduct at a date to be determined.