A serving West Midlands Police officer has been jailed for 12 weeks after being found guilty of assault at Birmingham Magistrates Court.
Officer Jailed for Pushing Bus Fare Dodger
PC Neville Bridgewood, 39, was one of several officers who responded to a panic alarm on a bus outside Bilston bus station on 26 September last year. The incident began after a man refused to pay his fare. During the scuffle, PC Bridgewood pushed the man, causing him to fall and suffer a cut to his leg. Fortunately, the injury did not require hospital treatment.
Suspended and Facing Misconduct Hearing
Since the charges were brought, PC Bridgewood has been assigned to non-frontline duties. Following his conviction, he has now been suspended from the force. A misconduct hearing will take place in due course to address his actions further.
Force Condemns Officer’s Conduct
A West Midlands Police spokesperson said, “The force expects the highest standards of conduct from our officers and will bring to justice those who fall below that standard including bringing criminal charges.”
