A serving Metropolitan Police officer has been convicted of assaulting a vulnerable man experiencing a mental health crisis, following a trial at Snaresbrook Crown Court.
PC Rhys Walmer, attached to the East Area Basic Command Unit, was found guilty on Thursday, 15 May of assault by beating and administering a noxious substance with intent to injure/aggrieve/annoy, after using disproportionate force on a man already restrained in hospital.
Walmer, who had been on restricted duties since November 2022, will be sentenced on 14 July. He is also due to face a misconduct hearing now that %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_0%% proceedings have concluded.
Hospital Assault Incident
The court heard the assault took %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_1%% hospital, where officers were guarding a man who had been arrested and detained under the Mental Health Act.
The %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_2%% was already in handcuffs, limb restraints, and wearing a spit guard, awaiting a psychiatric assessment.
Despite the man being physically restrained by three %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_3%%, PC Walmer sprayed PAVA directly into his face as he attempted to stand. He then proceeded to strike the %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_4%% fully restrained.
Staff Sound the Alarm
Concerned by the level of force used, %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_5%% supervisor. An internal %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_6%% by the Policing Standards Unit and the case was escalated to the Met's Directorate of Professional Standards.
Walmer was formally %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_7%% by postal requisition in June 2024, following a detailed inquiry.
Senior Police Response
Chief Superintendent Stuart Bell, head of the %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_8%%, condemned Walmer's actions:
"The level of %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_9%% used by PC Walmer was not proportionate or necessary and his actions have been subject to proper scrutiny and accountability through the legal process.
I would like to thank the %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_10%% for quite rightly raising their concerns with the officer's supervisor."
He added that excessive use of force will not be tolerated, and %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_11%% to uphold professional standards will be brought to justice.
Misconduct Hearing Pending
With a criminal conviction now secured, Walmer will be the subject of a %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_12%% misconduct hearing to determine his future in the force. He %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_13%% duties pending that outcome.
