PCs who Tasered amputee, 92, used excessive force
Summary
Two police officers used excessive force when they Tasered and pepper sprayed a 92-year-old amputee with dementia at a care home in 2022. A disciplinary panel found the officers guilty of gross misconduct for not trying to calm the situation and using too much force.Key Facts
- The officers, PC Stephen Smith and PC Rachel Comotto, responded to a call about Donald Burgess threatening carers with a knife.
- Burgess was in his wheelchair in his own room at Park Beck care home.
- The officers used a baton, pepper spray, and a Taser on Burgess.
- A panel decided the officers acted with "unjustified and excessive use of force."
- Both officers were found guilty of gross misconduct but not responsible for Burgess’s death, which happened 22 days later after he caught Covid in hospital.
- The officers did not try to calm Burgess or understand his vulnerability due to dementia.
- The use of pepper spray was judged not reasonable, and officers’ language was described as dismissive and antagonistic.
- It has not yet been decided if the officers will be fired or receive a warning.
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