Nottinghamshire Cop Cleared of Strangling Teen in Police Van
A Nottinghamshire Police officer has been found not guilty of strangling a 16-year-old girl detained in handcuffs inside a police vehicle.
Six-Day Trial Ends in Acquittal
After a six-day trial at Lincoln Crown Court, a jury cleared PC Kevin Markowski, 46, of non-fatal, intentional strangulation under the Serious Crime Act 2015. The charges related to an incident in Arnold, Nottingham, on August 24, 2022, where Markowski was accused of using excessive force on the handcuffed teenager.
Body Cam Footage Put on Show
Body-worn video footage showed PC Markowski with his hands on the girl’s neck or chest twice. The teen claimed she was strangled, but Markowski said he immediately removed his hands when she signalled she was struggling to breathe. The assault by beating charge was dropped before the trial began.
IOPC Investigation and Jury Verdict
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) spent four months investigating, reviewing footage, interviewing the girl and officers, and speaking to witnesses. Their evidence was passed to the Crown Prosecution Service, which brought charges against Markowski.
IOPC Regional Director David Ford said, “Given the seriousness of the allegation, it was right for the evidence to be tested in a public court. We respect the jury’s decision and will now be liaising with the force on the next steps.”
Attention now turns to Nottinghamshire Police’s internal review and any follow-up actions as this controversial case wraps up.
