Officer accused of holding boy's throat dismissed

A police officer accused of putting his hands on a 15-year-old boy's throat while arresting him has been dismissed for gross misconduct.

Dorset Police said PC Lorne Castle "failed to act with self-control" during the incident in Bournemouth town centre in January 2024.

The officer admitted misconduct during a hearing at force headquarters in Winfrith, but denied gross misconduct.

During proceedings he apologised and admitted his behaviour was "rude", but said he "panicked in the moment".

The hearing concluded on Thursday and an independent panel said the matter was "so serious the only outcome was dismissal without notice".

The force said PC Castle would be placed on the police barred list, which prevents him from holding any further role within policing.

The hearing heard PC Castle was on duty in uniform when he responded to reports of two separate alleged assaults in the town centre.

Dorset Police said once he was at the scene, the officer found the boy to make an arrest, and body worn video showed him "behaving aggressively and inappropriately from the outset".

A police statement said: "The panel found that PC Castle failed to act with self-control, did not treat the boy with courtesy or respect.

"His shouting, swearing, finger pointing, taking hold of the boy's face and throat and suggested use of leg restraints was not necessary, reasonable or proportionate."

The boy was arrested on suspicion of assault several minutes into the incident and suspicion of possession of a knife.

The force said no further action was taken against the teenager, but he was issued with an out of court disposal for possessing a knife.

PC Castle's conduct was reported to supervisors and after an investigation he was put on restricted non-public facing duties.

Deputy Chief Constable Rachel Farrell described PC Castle's actions as "excessive, aggressive and inappropriate".

She said: "PC Castle has let the police service and his colleagues down and it is important to reiterate that he does not represent the many hard-working officers and staff of Dorset Police."

Ms Farrell said work was continuing within the force to "ensure all officers, staff and volunteers understand the importance of calling out behaviour that falls below the expected standards".

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