A Wiltshire Police officer has been given a suspended prison sentence following an assault on a 13-year-old boy outside Monkton Park Police Station in Chippenham. The incident occurred in the early hours of 14 October last year when PC Daniel Rusling pushed, dragged, and repeatedly swore at the boy.
The boy, along with five other children, had called 999 seeking police assistance after being threatened by occupants of a vehicle. The assault was recorded on the officer’s body-worn camera and was subject to an investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).
During an earlier court appearance, PC Daniel Rusling admitted to one count of assault by beating. On 30 June, Bristol Magistrates’ Court sentenced him to an eight-week prison term, suspended for 12 months, and ordered him to complete 150 hours of unpaid work.
The boy was not physically injured but was aggressively pushed six times and dragged by his jumper towards the car park exit after standing in front of the police car.
The IOPC launched an independent inquiry following a mandatory referral from Wiltshire Police. Derrick Campbell, IOPC Director of Engagement, described PC Rusling’s actions as “unacceptable and a wholly disproportionate response,” highlighting the officer’s aggressive language and behaviour, including inciting the boy to fight.
Wiltshire Police Deputy Chief Constable Mark Cooper issued a public apology to the victim, his family, and the wider community. He stated that Rusling’s actions were criminal and did not represent the values of the police force. Cooper emphasised the force’s commitment to removing individuals whose conduct undermines public trust and pledged to learn from the case to improve policing standards.
Following the conclusion of the criminal proceedings, Wiltshire Police will conduct an expedited gross misconduct hearing for PC Rusling. The IOPC’s investigation also found there was a case to answer for gross misconduct.
More details are available in the full IOPC statement.
Originally published by UKNIP.
