Police Officers Found Guilty of Assault Over Excessive Use of Force on Missing Girl
After a two-day trial at Folkestone Magistrates Court, two police officers have been found guilty of assault for their heavy-handed treatment of a missing girl detained in East Sussex. PC Deborah Sands, 46, was found guilty for spraying PAVA incapacitant spray, while PC Kris Green, 35, was convicted for delivering a knee strike to the girl’s head. Both officers denied the charges. Sentencing is set for 26 January.
Bodycam Footage Reveals Shocking Excessive Force
The court heard how the girl, reported missing, was handcuffed inside a police van with a seatbelt fastened when PC Sands sprayed PAVA spray directly in her face. Meanwhile, PC Green struck her in the head with his knee, kicked her leg, and placed a spit guard on her. Body Worn Video (BWV) footage shown in court captured these aggressive acts, along with heated verbal clashes during her arrest.
District Judge Justin Barron said: “With 35 years of court experience, I was genuinely shocked when I first saw the body worn footage. The force used was wholly disproportionate to the circumstances.”
IPCC Condemns Officers’ Actions as ‘Unnecessary’ and ‘Disproportionate’
IPCC Regional Director Graham Beesley slammed the officers, stating: “While police may sometimes need to use force, it must always be necessary, reasonable and proportionate. Our investigation raised serious concerns, and the court agreed both officers exceeded what was required to manage the custody situation.”
The five-month probe was launched after Sussex Police referred the case in July 2020. The investigation found evidence suggesting gross misconduct, including discourteous behaviour, failure to properly record the use of force, and inappropriate sharing of BWV footage outside official channels.
Next Steps for Officers and Sussex Police
With the criminal trial concluded, Sussex Police will now pursue disciplinary proceedings against the officers. The investigation involved detailed review of BWV, custody CCTV, witness statements, and interviews with the officers under caution, alongside the detainee’s own account.
This case raises urgent questions about the policing of vulnerable individuals and the accountability of officers tasked with their care.
