Two police officers sacked over 92-year-old amputee's tasering
Summarised from 5 outlets · Updated 6 Oct, 15:49 · Archive
Two Sussex Police officers have been sacked for gross misconduct after using a Taser and pepper spray on a 92-year-old amputee in a care home.
Two Sussex Police officers have been sacked for gross misconduct after using force on a 92-year-old amputee during an incident at a care home.
PC Stephen Smith, 52, and PC Rachel Comotto, 37, were dismissed following a disciplinary hearing conducted by the Independent Office for Police Conduct. The incident occurred on 21 June 2022 at Park Beck Residential Care Home in East Sussex.
The officers had been called to the home after Donald Burgess, a single-leg amputee and dementia patient, flicked food at a healthcare worker and refused to put down a dull blade. They responded by using a Taser and pepper spray on him. The Mirror reports they also used a baton during the incident.
The disciplinary hearing concluded that the officers had used excessive force. The police watchdog found their actions amounted to gross misconduct, leading to their dismissal from the force.
The case highlights the use of force by police against vulnerable people in care settings. Burgess's age, disability status and dementia appear to have been factors in assessments of whether the response was proportionate to the situation.
How it is being reported
- Sussex Police officers who Tasered 92-year-old amputee at care home are sackedThe Mirror · 6 Oct, 15:35
- Two police officers sacked after tasering 92-year-old amputee in care homeThe Independent · 6 Oct, 15:35
- Police officers who tasered amputee pensioner, 92, sacked for using excessive forceGB News · 6 Oct, 15:33
- Two police officers who Tasered and pepper-sprayed disabled pensioner, 92, in care home are sacked for using excessive forceDaily Mail · 6 Oct, 15:26
- Two officers sacked after 92-year-old man tasered and pepper sprayed in care homeSky News · 6 Oct, 15:25
In this story: PC Stephen Smith · PC Rachel Comotto · Donald Burgess · Sussex Police · Independent Office for Police Conduct · Park Beck Residential Care Home · East Sussex
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