A Metropolitan Police officer has had his criminal conviction for common assault quashed on appeal today (Friday, 13 September). PC Perry Lathwood, who serves in the Roads and Transport Policing Command, was originally convicted on 17 May following a trial at Westminster Magistrates’ Court.

The conviction stemmed from a June 2023 incident in Croydon, where PC Lathwood arrested a woman on suspicion of fare evasion after she had been travelling on a bus. A video of the incident was shared online, drawing widespread public attention and concern, particularly within black communities in Croydon and beyond.

PC Lathwood appealed the conviction, and today at Southwark Crown Court, his appeal was upheld, resulting in the quashing of his conviction.

Assistant Commissioner Louisa Rolfe acknowledged the public debate surrounding the incident and its impact, stating: “I recognise that this incident has divided opinions. The impact it had, particularly on black communities in Croydon and further afield, was significant.”

While the courts have cleared PC Lathwood, Assistant Commissioner Rolfe stressed the importance of learning from the incident: “We accept this incident was not handled perfectly and there is valuable learning to be taken from it. However, we believe that could have been done through police misconduct mechanisms, not the courts.

PC Lathwood remains on restricted duties while the police misconduct process is completed. The case has highlighted the need for independent oversight of policing, with Assistant Commissioner Rolfe adding: “Officers do not shy away from scrutiny and recognise the importance of independent oversight.

The officer’s future will now depend on the outcome of the internal misconduct proceedings, which are still underway.