Two Metropolitan Police officers have been convicted of assaulting a 16-year-old boy they were transporting to a hospital for a mental health assessment.
Following a trial at Westminster Magistrates’ Court, PC Sevda Gonen, 33, was found guilty of two counts of assault by beating, and PC Stuart Price, 35, was found guilty of one count of using unlawful force.
The charges stem from an incident on 14 November 2023, when officers voluntarily transported the teenager to the hospital after no ambulances were available.
Incident Details
The court heard that PC Gonen used unlawful force during a search of the boy and later slapped him and pulled his hair. PC Price was convicted for using unlawful force during the same search.
The officers, both attached to the North Area Basic Command Unit, will be sentenced on Thursday, 24 January 2025.
Police Response
Area Commander Hayley Sewart issued an apology to the victim and his family, acknowledging the distress caused by the incident. She said:
“We know this incident had a significant impact on the victim and his family, and I would like to apologise to them for the distress and upset caused. Very sadly, what started out as an attempt to get the right medical attention for a teenager in mental health crisis quickly escalated to the events we saw unfold that day.”
Commander Sewart described PC Gonen’s actions as “deeply troubling” and falling “well below the standards and behaviour we expect from our officers.”
Internal Review
The case was referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) following concerns raised during an internal review of the incident.
Commander Sewart also commented on the broader implications of the convictions:
“The decision to charge and subsequently convict the officers with assault because the search was deemed to be unlawful raises important questions, and we need to now take some time to understand the outcome and carefully consider the possible wider implications for officers and policing in general.”
Next Steps
- PC Gonen is currently suspended.
- PC Price remains on restricted duties.
The Metropolitan Police has stated that, now criminal proceedings have concluded, it will liaise with the IOPC regarding misconduct procedures.
The sentencing of both officers will take place next month.
