Menu
12/06/2018
Police Officer Cleared After Man Complained Of 'Oppressive Behaviour'
A police officer has been cleared after a man complained of his "oppressive behaviour" towards him as he attempted to collect his son from a concert in south Belfast.
The man, whose complaint has been rejected by the Police Ombudsman, had asked to park in a closed-off slip road before attempting to turn into a lane blocked off by a police Land Rover. He said the officer assaulted him before threatening to shoot him as he edged forward in his car.
He said the officer had grabbed him by the arms and stuck his knuckles into his throat after he got out of his vehicle at the Lisburn Road end of Stockman’s Lane in August last year. This, he said, had caused bruising under his chin which had been confirmed at the Mater Hospital.
However, Police Ombudsman investigators, who interviewed the officer under caution, took accounts from members of the public and other police officers, and reviewed Body Worn (BWV) video footage, rejected the man’s claims that the officer had acted oppressively.
The officer denied any wrongdoing but admitted to threatening to shoot after the complainant had driven towards him. He said his actions were necessary due to the man's "aggressive demeanour" and his failure to heed police directions.
He also stated that when he was putting the man into the Land Rover, where he cautioned him for a motoring offence, a struggle had ensued, but he denied assault.
Eyewitness accounts from several members of the public and other police officers supported the officer’s version of events. Body worn video did not capture the initial incident but did show the officer take hold of the man’s arm and jacket as he attempted to return to his car. It also showed that it was a notebook in the officer’s hand which come into contact with the man’s neck, rather than his fist as the complainant had alleged.
A report was sent to the Public Prosecution Service (PPS) which directed no prosecution of the officer.
The man, whose complaint has been rejected by the Police Ombudsman, had asked to park in a closed-off slip road before attempting to turn into a lane blocked off by a police Land Rover. He said the officer assaulted him before threatening to shoot him as he edged forward in his car.
He said the officer had grabbed him by the arms and stuck his knuckles into his throat after he got out of his vehicle at the Lisburn Road end of Stockman’s Lane in August last year. This, he said, had caused bruising under his chin which had been confirmed at the Mater Hospital.
However, Police Ombudsman investigators, who interviewed the officer under caution, took accounts from members of the public and other police officers, and reviewed Body Worn (BWV) video footage, rejected the man’s claims that the officer had acted oppressively.
The officer denied any wrongdoing but admitted to threatening to shoot after the complainant had driven towards him. He said his actions were necessary due to the man's "aggressive demeanour" and his failure to heed police directions.
He also stated that when he was putting the man into the Land Rover, where he cautioned him for a motoring offence, a struggle had ensued, but he denied assault.
Eyewitness accounts from several members of the public and other police officers supported the officer’s version of events. Body worn video did not capture the initial incident but did show the officer take hold of the man’s arm and jacket as he attempted to return to his car. It also showed that it was a notebook in the officer’s hand which come into contact with the man’s neck, rather than his fist as the complainant had alleged.
A report was sent to the Public Prosecution Service (PPS) which directed no prosecution of the officer.
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
21 April 2016
Officer Disciplined For Failing To Properly Investigate Assault On Boy
A police officer has been disciplined after failing to properly investigate an allegation that a man annoyed by children playing football near his car, attacked a 12-year-old boy by kicking him on the hand.
Officer Disciplined For Failing To Properly Investigate Assault On Boy
A police officer has been disciplined after failing to properly investigate an allegation that a man annoyed by children playing football near his car, attacked a 12-year-old boy by kicking him on the hand.
06 August 2014
Police Vehicle Contracts Arrest - Man Released
A 54-year-old member of police staff who was arrested in County Antrim as part of ongoing investigations into the awarding of vehicle contracts has been released. The man was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office and has been taken to a police station in Belfast for questioning.
Police Vehicle Contracts Arrest - Man Released
A 54-year-old member of police staff who was arrested in County Antrim as part of ongoing investigations into the awarding of vehicle contracts has been released. The man was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office and has been taken to a police station in Belfast for questioning.
28 March 2007
House of Lords vote for ‘50/50’ police force
The House of Lords has renewed the 50/50 recruitment rule for the PSNI by a majority of 44. It puts into practice a recommendation made in 1999 by Lord Patten that the local police force should be split evenly between Catholics and Protestants. The result of the vote was 141 to 97.
House of Lords vote for ‘50/50’ police force
The House of Lords has renewed the 50/50 recruitment rule for the PSNI by a majority of 44. It puts into practice a recommendation made in 1999 by Lord Patten that the local police force should be split evenly between Catholics and Protestants. The result of the vote was 141 to 97.
23 June 2016
Police Officers Disciplined For Failing To Tell Doctor About Woman's Head Injuries
Two police officers have been disciplined after they failed to let their colleagues and a police doctor know that a woman had sustained a head injury, a Police Ombudsman investigation has concluded. The woman died from bleeding to the brain on 24 February 2014, the day after she suffered the injury.
Police Officers Disciplined For Failing To Tell Doctor About Woman's Head Injuries
Two police officers have been disciplined after they failed to let their colleagues and a police doctor know that a woman had sustained a head injury, a Police Ombudsman investigation has concluded. The woman died from bleeding to the brain on 24 February 2014, the day after she suffered the injury.
04 May 2022
Man Arrested For Attempted Murder Of Police Officer
A 28-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after a police officer was injured when he was carried for up to 30m on the bonnet of a car in L'Derry on Monday, 02 May. In the same incident, a second officer was also injured when he was struck by the same vehicle.
Man Arrested For Attempted Murder Of Police Officer
A 28-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after a police officer was injured when he was carried for up to 30m on the bonnet of a car in L'Derry on Monday, 02 May. In the same incident, a second officer was also injured when he was struck by the same vehicle.
-
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.
