South Yorkshire Police officer accused of repeatedly punching prisoner in the face

A South Yorkshire Police officer has been accused of repeatedly punching a prisoner in the face.
By Claire Lewis
Published 5th Oct 2020, 08:35 BST
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The officer, named by South Yorkshire Police as Christopher Rhodes, is now the subject of misconduct proceedings, with a hearing scheduled for tomorrow.

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PC Rhodes is accused of punching a handcuffed prisoner in the back of a police vehicle in May 2017.

A misconduct hearing is to be held tomorrow over an allegation that a police officer punched a prisonerA misconduct hearing is to be held tomorrow over an allegation that a police officer punched a prisoner
A misconduct hearing is to be held tomorrow over an allegation that a police officer punched a prisoner

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The prisoner had been arrested for being drunk and disorderly in Rotherham.

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South Yorkshire Police said: “This is a hearing into the conduct of PC Rhodes, an police officer from South Yorkshire Police, who is subject to the following allegations.

“On May 30, 2017, he attended at a scene in Rotherham, on two occasions.

“On the second occasion, a member of the public appeared drunk and that person - witness one - was arrested.

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“Witness one, was then handcuffed and placed into the rear of the police vehicle, with the officer sat next to them.

“It is alleged that PC Rhodes applied force to witness one, which was not necessary, proportionate or reasonable in the circumstances.

“In particular witness one was repeatedly punched in the face.

“Witness one suffered severe swelling to the face and a laceration which needed to be glued at hospital.

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“The above alleged conduct breaches the standards of professional behaviour relating to use of force and if proven would amount to gross misconduct.”

There are a range of sanctions available to police chiefs after misconduct hearings.

If allegations are proven, officers can receive anything from warnings to dismissal.

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