Met Police Officer Sacked and Convicted for Brutal Hospital Assault
A Metropolitan Police officer has been dismissed and convicted after violently assaulting a restrained man in a hospital. PC Rhys Walmer used PAVA spray and struck the handcuffed man 14 times with a baton—despite the victim being fully restrained and wearing a spit guard.
Hospital Staff Alarmed by Excessive Force
The victim was awaiting assessment when officers were called to assist. Although the man was already handcuffed and limb-restrained, PC Walmer sprayed PAVA—a synthetic pepper spray—directly into his face. He then delivered multiple baton strikes to the man’s arms and legs.
Concerned hospital staff immediately alerted a supervising officer, outraged at the excessive and unnecessary violence.
After a criminal investigation, Walmer was charged with assault and administering a noxious substance with intent to injure. In June 2025, he was dismissed without notice following an internal disciplinary process.
Met Police Reject Claims of Poor Training
Walmer claimed he had insufficient training to handle the situation. The Metropolitan Police flatly rejected this, insisting his level of force was excessive and unjustifiable.
“The level of force used by PC Walmer was not proportionate or necessary and his actions have been subject to proper scrutiny and accountability through the legal process.
I would like to thank the hospital staff for quite rightly raising their concerns with the officer’s supervisor.
All officers must be held to account for their actions, especially regarding use of force. Those found to be using excessive force, like PC Walmer, will be brought to justice.”
— Chief Superintendent Stuart Bell, East Area Basic Command Unit
