DORSET Police have released body-cam footage of a now-sacked officer who was found to use unreasonable force when arresting a 15-year-old boy in Bournemouth town centre.
The shocking footage, which was shown at a public misconduct hearing, shows PC Lorne Castle dragging the teen who was suspected of assault to the ground on January 24, where he appears to put both of his hands on the 15-year-old’s throat while shouting threats and swear words.
A knife fell out of the boy’s pocket after he was in handcuffs, and he was further arrested on suspicion of possession of a knife.
No further action was taken against the boy in relation to the reported assaults, as there were no complaints made; however, he was issued with an out-of-court disposal for possessing the knife.
Castle was responding to information that the boy may have been involved in an earlier suspected assault, but Dorset Police said that “at no time was there any suggestion of a knife or that a knife had been used.”
The officer was dismissed after allegations of gross misconduct were found proven against him.
Castle admitted misconduct in relation to breaching the standards of professional behaviour relating to authority, respect and courtesy, conduct and use of force but denied gross misconduct.
Watch the arrest here:
Following a public misconduct hearing at Dorset Police Headquarters in Winfrith, which concluded on May 29, the independent panel found that the breaches amounted to gross misconduct and said the matter was so serious that the only outcome was dismissal without notice.
During the hearing Castle apologised and admitted his behaviour was rude, aggressive and inappropriate but said he had panicked in the moment.
The panel found that Castle failed to act with self-control and did not treat the boy with courtesy or respect.
The footage shows the moment Castle tells the boy to “stop shouting like a little b****”.
“His shouting, swearing, finger pointing, taking hold of the boy’s face and throat and suggested use of leg restraints was not necessary, reasonable or proportionate,” a police spokesperson said.
He will be placed on the police barred list, which prevents him from holding any further role within policing.
The conduct of Castle was reported to supervisors by other attending officers, who felt his actions were inappropriate and unnecessary.
Deputy chief constable Rachel Farrell said: “I understand the strength of feeling in this case and it is right to be open and transparent about what the independent panel saw, alongside other evidence and testimony.”
She added: “At times our officers are required to use force to effect the arrest of suspects, prevent offences and protect the public, their colleagues and themselves.
“I have the utmost respect for the vast majority of officers, who have to use force when making an arrest and do so appropriately and with professionalism, even when they are exposed to risk and violence.
“They do a tough job and when their actions are proportionate, necessary and reasonable they will always be supported.”
Dorset Police Federation released a statement following the release of the footage, claiming that Dorset Police chose to release a “carefully selected” clip without providing context or balance and “in the full knowledge that an appeal by the officer may be pending.”
Their statement reads: “The reason for the release appears primarily to be an attempt by Dorset Police to manage some of the public criticism the force has received following the decision to dismiss the officer, rather than a genuine desire to properly inform the public.”
They added: “The clip released by Dorset Police fails to show the double-bladed knife which falls from the clothing of the suspect at the end of the arrest and that potentially could have been used to inflict serious harm on the officer, the officers’ colleagues or a random member of the public.
“It fails to mention the context that – in an early morning briefing – the officer was warned to be extra cautious due to a mass brawl in the town centre just two nights before, a brawl involving youths with machetes and knives, some of the offenders for which were still outstanding.
“It is also relevant that many aspects of the arrest and the force used by the officer were deemed to have been justified, proportionate and reasonable by the independent panel.”
Dorset Police said the formal outcome of the hearing from the panel chair will be published soon.
So how do you suggest an officer deals with a knife wielding 15 year old, hardly a child if he can threaten a pensioner and a 14 year old. Take him down quickly and robustly or resort to Pava, Asp and Taser from a safe and respectful distance and then take him to hospital. I am sorry but you deserve the weak Police Service and rising crime levels you desire if you think this officer should lose his livelihood for speaking the teenagers language. Dorset Police have got this SO WRONG. I am embarrassed and disgusted by your ineffective and non supportive actions and complete lack of leadership. Take the opportunity to retire whilst you can
Omg need the police like him !!can’t believe the poor man lost his job take back control of unruly yobs
That’s right punish the Police and still expect them to prevent knife crime the little thug was carrying a knife and was suspected of assault with a knife
He resisted arrest
It’s ridiculous that basically no action was taken against him for carrying a knife tell that to the parents of children who have died after being stabbed
and people complain that the Police are doing nothing to prevent crimes happening now you know ow why
That kid didn’t deserve any respect, Carrying a knife around he deserved everything he got, just out of curiosity, what would you all be saying if this kid stabbed someone? After the police had stopped him and let him go on his way?