PC sacked over teen's arrest can appeal dismissal

PC Lorne Castle was dismissed in May for holding a 15-year-old boy's throat and swearing at him

A police officer who was fired over his arrest of a teenager has been told he will be allowed to appeal against his sacking for gross misconduct.

Dorset Police officer PC Lorne Castle was dismissed in May 2025 for holding a 15-year-old boy's throat and swearing at him in Bournemouth in January 2024.

An independent panel found his actions amounted to gross misconduct and he was dismissed without notice.

Dorset Police Federation said Mr Castle's case would be heard by a fully constituted police appeals tribunal and it would "continue to support Lorne through this process".

"We are aware of the public interest in this case, from serving officers, former officers and the wider general public - and Lorne continues to be extremely grateful for the support he has received," a federation spokesperson said.

In a statement issued to the BBC, Mr Castle said he was pleased the grounds for his appeal had been accepted and he hoped his "good name and reputation is restored" following the new hearing.

"This past six months have been very difficult for me," he said.

"I loved serving the people of Dorset - which I spent many years doing - and to end up being dismissed overnight, I'll be honest, shattered me.

"Both the hurt and pain has been enormous and devastating in equal measures."

During a hearing at the force's headquarters in Winfrith in May, PC Castle admitted misconduct but denied gross misconduct.

He was also placed on the police barred list, which prevents him from holding any further role within policing.

Dorset Police released body-worn camera footage of the incident, in which the boy was arrested on suspicion of assault and possession of a knife.

No further action was taken against the teenager, but he was issued with an out of court disposal for possessing a knife.

Dorset Police said: "We can confirm we have received notification that this matter will go to a hearing before the Police Appeals Tribunal.

"As the formal appeal process is under way, we are unable to comment further."