Sacked police officer 'seen as abuser' after 'aggressive' arrest

A FORMER police officer who was sacked because of his “aggressive” detention of a 15-year-old boy has said he is being treated like an “abuser” and is appealing his case.

- BEN MITCHELL

Lorne Castle was dismissed by Dorset Police after an independent disciplinary tribunal found that he had committed gross misconduct in relation to the arrest of the youth in Bournemouth town centre on January 27, 2024.

The ex-police constable had admitted misconduct in relation to breaching the standards of professional behaviour relating to authority, respect and courtesy, conduct and use of force but denied gross misconduct.

Following the hearing, a Dorset Police spokesman said that Mr Castle had acted “inappropriately” as he detained the teenager after receiving reports of two assaults in the seaside town.

The spokesman said: “Pc Castle was seen to use unnecessary and inappropriate words towards the boy and place both his hands on his throat. The panel found that Pc Castle failed to act with self-control, did not treat the boy with courtesy or respect. His shouting, swearing, finger pointing, taking hold of the boy's face and throat and suggested use of leg restraints was not necessary, reasonable or proportionate.”