A Metropolitan Police officer is facing assault charges following the wrongful arrest of a woman accused of dodging a bus fare in Croydon. The incident, which took place with the woman’s young son present, has led to significant public concern and an official investigation.
PC Perry Lathwood, 49, who serves with the Met’s Road Traffic Policing Command, is due to appear in court next month in connection with the case. The arrest occurred on July 21 last year on Whitehorse Road.
During the arrest, the woman sustained bruises on her arm. It was later confirmed that she had paid the bus fare, and she was promptly released. The wrongful arrest and the use of force during the incident have caused widespread outrage, especially after a video of the arrest circulated widely on social media.
The arrest was part of a ‘revenue protection operation’ conducted by the Roads and Transport Policing Command in collaboration with Transport for London.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) conducted an investigation into the matter, concluding its inquiry in December. Following the investigation, PC Lathwood was charged and is scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on February 14.
Chief Superintendent Andy Brittain, who oversees policing in Croydon, expressed serious concerns regarding the assault charge against an officer. He emphasized the importance of officers being able to justify their use of force and noted that the Metropolitan Police had urgently contacted the IOPC to seek clarification on the charge.
This case has intensified ongoing discussions about police conduct and accountability within London.
Originally published by UKNIP.
