Ex-officer who attacked woman barred from policing

The former police officer resigned after he admitted pushing a woman in a cell

A former police officer who admitted assault would have been sacked had he not already resigned, a misconduct panel concluded.

Andrew Watt, 51, pushed a woman following her arrest in Clacton-on-Sea in December 2023, causing her a head injury that needed hospital treatment.

He was placed on the police barred list during an accelerated hearing chaired by Essex Police chief constable Ben-Julian Harrington on Monday.

It determined Watt had breached the standards of professional behaviour in relation to conduct and that gross misconduct was proven.

Mr Harrington said officers were "highly trained" to use force when it was proportionate and necessary.

"They do not use these powers recklessly," he said.

He added: "It will not be tolerated and officers who use violence and abuse their position are not welcome in policing."

Watt appeared at Cambridge Magistrates' Court on 8 August, where he admitted assault. He was acquitted of a second charge of assault by beating.

After his conviction Watt resigned from his position at the force.

He was sentenced to 100 hours of unpaid work and told to pay £100 in compensation.

The former officer was also told to pay £85 in costs and a £114 victim surcharge.