Decision on police misconduct adjourned

A decision on alleged police misconduct has been delayed

A decision on a hearing into two officers who allegedly used "unnecessary force" on a woman having a mental health crisis has been delayed.

The two Avon and Somerset Police constables deny a string of breaches when dealing with a woman in crsis on Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol on 4 December 2021.

The panel retired to consider their decision on Thursday, but have indicated that they will not conclude this before the end of Friday and so will have to resume at a later date to be announced.

The five-day hearing was told the pair were called to the bridge where the woman, Miss A, had attempted to climb the buttress wall and jump off.

One of the officers used Pava artificial pepper spray on the woman at close range in the back of the police car after her colleague allegedly stood on the detainee’s arm and grabbed her hair and throat during the arrest.

The pair “laughed at her suffering”, made fun of her and were sarcastic, condescending or antagonistic, it was alleged.

Barrister Alan Jenkins, representing the constabulary, told the panel that the officers’ treatment of the vulnerable woman was “appalling” and “brutal” and that they failed to have any compassion.

He said the female had been drinking and was intoxicated and had mental health issues.

The constable who Pava-sprayed her told the hearing that it had the “desired effect” to subdue her and get her to comply with instructions as she was kicking out and spitting and that she did the right thing, although she admitted she should have treated her with respect and courtesy.

The other officer denied grabbing the woman’s throat and hair and intentionally standing on her arm and said they were dealing with a “violent criminal”.

Miss A was well known to the police and had dozens of convictions for assaulting emergency workers called out to deal with her, the panel heard.

Both constables admitted laughing during the incident but said this was only to lighten the situation and show the woman that her verbal abuse was having no effect and that they were not mocking or making fun of her.

They arrested the woman for causing a public nuisance and took her to Patchway police station where she was placed into custody.

An investigation into the incident was carried out by the Independent Office for Police Conduct.