A serving Metropolitan Police officer has been convicted of assault following an incident in Romford where he attacked a man who had called police to report criminal damage.
PC Jonathan Marsh, from the East Area Command Unit, was found guilty at the City of London Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 29 January. His sentencing is due to take place on 29 February at Westminster Magistrates’ Court.
The court heard that on 13 November 2022, Marsh and his colleagues responded to a report of criminal damage on Atlanta Boulevard, Romford. Upon arrival, Marsh mistakenly identified the complainant as the suspect, despite the man clearly informing officers that he was the caller.
PC Marsh attempted to handcuff the innocent man, then took him to the ground and punched him in the head. The victim was handcuffed and placed into a police van, where Marsh continued to shout and swear at him. The complainant was later correctly identified and released at the scene.
The incident was promptly referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), which launched an independent investigation that led to charges against Marsh.
Chief Superintendent Stuart Bell, head of policing in East Area, condemned the excessive use of force, stating: “All police officers know they will be held to account for any use of force, and any use of force must be reasonable. On this occasion, PC Marsh went beyond the level of force necessary and it is right that he has to face the criminal consequences of his actions.”
With the criminal proceedings concluded, a misconduct hearing for PC Marsh is now scheduled to begin.
Originally published by UKNIP.
