Menu
07/12/2016
Officer 'Justified' In Holding Man's Head Against Window
A PSNI officer was justified in holding a man's head against the window of a police car to prevent him from spitting, according to an investigation by the Police Ombudsman.
The man complained that the officer had without warning hit his head against the window and then caused him to choke by continuing to press on his head and neck.
He also alleged that when the police car pulled over a while later and he turned to speak to the officer, his head was again forced against the window. He alleged the officer said to him: "Don't spit at me, don't look at me."
The incident happened in February as the man was being taken to Lurgan Police Station after being arrested on suspicion of assaulting a female in south Down.
When interviewed by a Police Ombudsman investigator, the officer said the man was intoxicated and aggressive, and had made a number of allegations and threats during the journey.
The officer said he "firmly believed" he was going to be spat at and in order to prevent this he told the man to look away from him and held his head against the window of the car for a time. However, he denied at any stage having struck the man's head against the window.
He also denied that he had caused the man to choke, and said that when the man calmed down he released his head and later removed his handcuffs.
The officer's account was corroborated by the officer who had been driving the car. He said the man had been intoxicated and difficult and although he had not seen him spitting, he heard his colleague telling him not to before pushing his face away.
He said that the man's head had not been struck against the window, and neither had he been subjected to any other kind of assault.
Notes written by a doctor after the man was examined in police custody made no mention of any head or neck injuries.
The Police Ombudsman investigator found insufficient evidence for any misconduct action.
(CD/JP)
The man complained that the officer had without warning hit his head against the window and then caused him to choke by continuing to press on his head and neck.
He also alleged that when the police car pulled over a while later and he turned to speak to the officer, his head was again forced against the window. He alleged the officer said to him: "Don't spit at me, don't look at me."
The incident happened in February as the man was being taken to Lurgan Police Station after being arrested on suspicion of assaulting a female in south Down.
When interviewed by a Police Ombudsman investigator, the officer said the man was intoxicated and aggressive, and had made a number of allegations and threats during the journey.
The officer said he "firmly believed" he was going to be spat at and in order to prevent this he told the man to look away from him and held his head against the window of the car for a time. However, he denied at any stage having struck the man's head against the window.
He also denied that he had caused the man to choke, and said that when the man calmed down he released his head and later removed his handcuffs.
The officer's account was corroborated by the officer who had been driving the car. He said the man had been intoxicated and difficult and although he had not seen him spitting, he heard his colleague telling him not to before pushing his face away.
He said that the man's head had not been struck against the window, and neither had he been subjected to any other kind of assault.
Notes written by a doctor after the man was examined in police custody made no mention of any head or neck injuries.
The Police Ombudsman investigator found insufficient evidence for any misconduct action.
(CD/JP)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
30 July 2015
Co Antrim Man Found Dead In Ibiza Sustained Head Injuries
A County Antrim man found dead in a hotel room in Ibiza sustained head injuries, according to Ireland's expert State Pathologist. Alan Drennan, 21, was found dead just 24 hours after arriving in Ibiza. Mr Drennan was detained by Spanish police when he arrived on the holiday island, and friends claim that he was attacked by the police.
Co Antrim Man Found Dead In Ibiza Sustained Head Injuries
A County Antrim man found dead in a hotel room in Ibiza sustained head injuries, according to Ireland's expert State Pathologist. Alan Drennan, 21, was found dead just 24 hours after arriving in Ibiza. Mr Drennan was detained by Spanish police when he arrived on the holiday island, and friends claim that he was attacked by the police.
06 August 2018
Man Found On Co Armagh Road May Be 'Hit-And-Run' Victim
A man found on a County Armagh road with a "significant head injury" may have been the victim of a hit-and-run, police have said. The man was discovered in the Loughgall Road at about 11.30pm on Saturday, 05 August.
Man Found On Co Armagh Road May Be 'Hit-And-Run' Victim
A man found on a County Armagh road with a "significant head injury" may have been the victim of a hit-and-run, police have said. The man was discovered in the Loughgall Road at about 11.30pm on Saturday, 05 August.
06 June 2018
O'Dowd To Meet With PSNI Over Lurgan Attack
A Sinn Fein MLA is to meet the police to express the "anger and frustration" of the community after a man sustained serious head injuries in Lurgan. The incident happened in the William Street area on Sunday, 03 June. Witnesses claim he was beaten with a baton.
O'Dowd To Meet With PSNI Over Lurgan Attack
A Sinn Fein MLA is to meet the police to express the "anger and frustration" of the community after a man sustained serious head injuries in Lurgan. The incident happened in the William Street area on Sunday, 03 June. Witnesses claim he was beaten with a baton.
28 September 2017
Prisoner Dies At Maghaberry
A prisoner has died in custody at Maghaberry jail. The Northern Ireland Prison Service (NIPS) said the 57-year-old man passed away on Thursday morning, 28 September. His next of kin have been informed and an investigation has been launched.
Prisoner Dies At Maghaberry
A prisoner has died in custody at Maghaberry jail. The Northern Ireland Prison Service (NIPS) said the 57-year-old man passed away on Thursday morning, 28 September. His next of kin have been informed and an investigation has been launched.
31 March 2008
Disabled Man 'Critical' After Beating
A teenager is to appear in court today in relation to an assault on a physically disabled man in Belfast. The 19-year-old man was charged with the attempted murder of Ross McCartney, 21, who was assaulted at his home on the Castlereagh Road area on Friday.
Disabled Man 'Critical' After Beating
A teenager is to appear in court today in relation to an assault on a physically disabled man in Belfast. The 19-year-old man was charged with the attempted murder of Ross McCartney, 21, who was assaulted at his home on the Castlereagh Road area on Friday.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
