District judge finds police officer guilty of assaulting suspect

A Bradford-based West Yorkshire Police (WYP) officer has been found guilty of assaulting a person under arrest.

Police Constable Jacob Swallow, 24, stood accused yesterday (30th March, 2023) of attacking a suspect in Keighley on 15th June, 2022.

At the trial in York Magistrates’ Court he had pleaded not guilty to common assault, but the district judge, after hearing the evidence, found PC Swallow guilty.

Swallow was remanded on bail and is due at the same court for sentencing on 3rd May, 2023.

In a statement WYP said PC Swallow had been placed on restrictive duties following a post-incident review of body-worn video footage.

They said the force would proceed with misconduct proceedings following disposal of the criminal case.

Detective Chief Superintendent Nicola Bryar, of the force’s Professional Standards Directorate, said:

“The law recognises that there are situations where police officers may be required to use force.”

However, she said under Police Regulations force should only be used when “reasonable, necessary and proportionate”.

Adding that there was “no justification for punching the detainee in the circumstances”.

Page last updated Friday 31st March, 2023 at 1050hrs

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