Add thelocalreport.in As A Trusted Source
A British Transport Police (BTP) officer has been found guilty of assaulting a 15-year-old girl after detaining her at a railway station.
PC Adrian Young, of the London Overground Tasking Team, was convicted following a trial at Westminster Magistrates’ Court.
The 48-year-old will be sentenced on November 13.
An Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) spokesperson said: “The court heard that BTP officers responded to a request for assistance from railway staff after a child was pushed through the ticket barriers at Camden Road Overground station on September 22, 2024.
“After PC Young approached the child, CCTV footage showed the officer restraining him by placing him in a headlock.
“The child remained in a headlock for approximately 30 seconds before PC Young pushed her back through the ticket barrier and put his hand around her neck while pushing her against the ticket machine.
“PC Young handcuffed and arrested the girl, and she was later arrested at the scene.”
IOPC director Emily Barrie said: “All police officers are trained to use necessary, proportionate and appropriate force in the circumstances.
“On this occasion, there was no legitimate reason for the force used by PC Young, which could have resulted in serious injuries, particularly when he was dealing with a child who was significantly younger than him.
“This incident was witnessed by a number of members of the public who expressed concerns about the officer’s actions at the scene, with one witness making a complaint to the BTP, which ultimately led to us conducting an independent investigation.
“This shows that the public can have confidence in the police complaints system and that the IOPC will hold officers accountable for their actions, that PC Young has now been convicted of a criminal offence.”
An IOPC spokesman said Young would also face a gross misconduct hearing with the BTP for alleged breaches of police standards of professional conduct.