A Metropolitan Police officer has been sentenced to 12 weeks in prison for assaulting a handcuffed man during an incident at an east London hospital, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has confirmed.
PC Rajan Solanki, 28, who was based on the North East Area Command Unit, was sentenced today (Friday, February 7, 2025) at Westminster Magistrates’ Court after pleading guilty to assault by beating. In addition to his prison term, he will serve a 12-month probationary period upon release.
Incident at East London Hospital
The assault took place on the night of June 9, 2024, when PC Solanki and another officer were called to an east London hospital to manage a man admitted for a mental health assessment. The patient had allegedly been violent earlier in the evening and was restrained on a hospital bed with one set of handcuffs on each wrist, attached to the bed.
At approximately 1:15 AM on June 10, PC Solanki removed the man’s right handcuff, but when attempting to reapply it, a struggle broke out.
Body-worn video footage presented in court showed PC Solanki restraining the man by putting his right arm around his neck in a chokehold position, with his left hand gripping his right. The footage captured the man appearing distressed, red-faced, and struggling to breathe.
While maintaining the chokehold, PC Solanki was recorded issuing a chilling threat, saying:
“Put your arm on the cuff, or I’m going to choke you out.”
“I swear to god, I will f***** choke you out.”*
The footage showed Solanki held the chokehold for over 20 seconds before other officers and hospital staff intervened to restrain the man, placing him face down on the bed with his arms crossed in front of him as the handcuffs were reapplied.
IOPC Investigation and Court Proceedings
A mandatory conduct referral was made to the IOPC in June 2024, prompting an independent investigation.
The inquiry involved:
- Interviewing PC Solanki
- Reviewing police body-worn footage and hospital CCTV
- Taking statements from officers and hospital staff present at the scene
In November 2024, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) reviewed the evidence and approved the charge against Solanki.
IOPC: “Unlawful and Dangerous Use of Force”
Following the sentencing, IOPC Director Amanda Rowe condemned Solanki’s actions, stating:
“Officers are trained to use force that is reasonable and proportionate to the circumstances. In this incident, PC Solanki used unlawful force when he put his arm around a man’s neck while he was handcuffed to a hospital bed.
“His actions could have had serious consequences, and he has now been convicted for assault. The seriousness of his offending has been reflected in his prison sentence.”
Disciplinary Action Pending
Now that criminal proceedings have concluded, the Metropolitan Police will decide on internal disciplinary measures, which could include dismissal from the force.
A spokesperson for the Met confirmed:
“We take any allegations of excessive force extremely seriously. Now that the criminal case has concluded, we will liaise with the IOPC regarding misconduct proceedings.”
Public Concerns Over Police Conduct
The case is the latest in a series of misconduct allegations against the Metropolitan Police, further raising concerns about policing standards and the treatment of vulnerable individuals.
The Met has been under intense scrutiny over excessive use of force, particularly against people in crisis situations. Campaigners and watchdog groups continue to push for greater accountability and training reforms within the force.
What Happens Next?
- PC Solanki will serve 12 weeks in prison
- He will be under a 12-month probationary period upon release
- The Met will determine whether he faces further disciplinary action
More updates to follow as the disciplinary review process unfolds.
