Sussex cops cleared of assault on 93-year-old dementia patient after tense Park Beck care home incident.
Officers Acquitted After Shocking Use of Force
Two Sussex Police officers have been found not guilty of assault following a controversial confrontation with a 93-year-old wheelchair-bound dementia patient at a care home in St Leonards.
PC Stephen Smith, 50, and PC Rachel Comotto, 34, were acquitted by a jury at Southwark Crown Court on 28 May. The officers faced assault charges for their June 2022 response to Donald Burgess, who was restrained using a Taser, PAVA spray, baton, and handcuffs.
The jury dismissed all charges of assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH) after less than two hours’ deliberation.
Knife-Wielding Dementia Patient – What Really Happened?
The confrontation began when care staff raised alarm about Mr Burgess allegedly threatening them with a serrated knife at Park Beck care home. Officers arrived to find him seated in a wheelchair, holding the weapon. Within 83 seconds, both officers used force to disarm him.
Mr Burgess was hospitalised and sadly died 22 days later. However, medical evidence presented at trial confirmed no direct connection between the police actions and his death.
Sussex Police Responds Amid Public Outcry
Assistant Chief Constable Paul Court acknowledged public concern but stressed the jury’s verdict must be respected. He revealed that both officers will face gross misconduct hearings to scrutinise whether their conduct violated professional standards.
“We understand that members of the public may have strong feelings about this case. The verdict of the jury must be respected, but the public deserves transparency. Internal disciplinary procedures will now take place to assess whether the officers’ conduct breached our professional standards.”
IOPC Launches Misconduct Proceedings
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) confirmed it will lead misconduct hearings focusing on breaches of professional standards, including use of force, respect, and authority.
PC Comotto also faces a separate misconduct allegation for comments made on social media regarding the incident.
Family & Public Demand Accountability
The family of Donald Burgess expressed deep disappointment at the jury’s decision but remain hopeful that upcoming disciplinary hearings will promote accountability and safeguard other vulnerable care home residents.
What’s Next?
- Gross misconduct hearings will proceed under IOPC supervision.
- Sussex Police have pledged full cooperation.
- No current plans for further criminal charges against the officers.
This high-profile case continues to fuel public debate over the policing of vulnerable elderly people, especially those with dementia, and the use of force within care home settings.
