Police officer sentenced over teen headlock

A police officer who put a 15-year-old girl in a headlock while arresting her for pushing through a ticket barrier has been given a community order.

PC Adrian Young was convicted of assault by beating last month following a trial at Westminster Magistrates' Court.

The 48-year-old, of Spalding, Lincolnshire, has been sentenced to a 12-month community order, including a rehabilitation activity requirement of 10 days, and 150 hours' unpaid work.

British Transport Police (BTP) described Young's actions as "appalling", adding that he had demonstrated "a completely unnecessary and unacceptable use of force against a child". He remains suspended from duty.

BTP officers responded to a request for assistance from railway staff on 22 September 2024 after the girl pushed her way through ticket barriers at Camden Road Overground station.

CCTV footage played to the court showed Young restraining the girl by placing her in a headlock.

She remained in the headlock for about 30 seconds before the constable pushed her back through the ticket barrier and placed his hand around her throat while pushing her up against a ticket machine.

Young, who has served in the police for more than 19 years, handcuffed and arrested the child. She was later de-arrested at the scene.

District Judge Nina Tempia said the incident would have caused the girl "psychological distress".

'No choking'

Prosecutor Barto De Lotbiniere told the court: "There's clear evidence to say this is a victim who was vulnerable due to her age and also the circumstances of the time."

Defending Young, Kevin Baumber said the officer had used "excessive force in a lawful detention" and there was "no choking and no strangulation".

Mr Baumber added: "The mistakes Mr Young made were all in flow of an active incident that was made more difficult by an act of physical resistance by the complainant.

"In a situation where there was grounds for lawful detention, there was also active verbal and physical interference by her friend that made the job the defendant was trying to do more difficult."

Disciplinary proceedings

BTP Assistant Chief Constable Sean O'Callaghan said: "I'd like to be absolutely clear that the actions of PC Young during this incident were appalling, demonstrating a completely unnecessary and unacceptable use of force against a child.

"Police officers are rightly expected to maintain control of any situation and by not doing so, PC Young has undermined public confidence in BTP and the high standards we hold our officers to every day.

"We thank the IOPC for their investigation and will be looking to progress with internal disciplinary proceedings as soon as possible."