A Metropolitan Police Constable has been acquitted of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, following an incident in which he Tasered a suspected burglar. PC Thomas Isherwood was cleared by a jury at Southwark Crown Court, having maintained throughout the proceedings that his actions were taken in self-defence during a struggle with the suspect.
The incident in question occurred in January 2022 when officers responded to reports of a suspected burglary. During the arrest of Liam Benbow, who was believed to be involved, PC Isherwood deployed his Taser. Mr Benbow subsequently sustained a fractured eye socket and several cuts during the altercation. The prosecution had argued that the officer's use of force was excessive and amounted to an assault.
PC Isherwood, however, testified that he felt threatened by Mr Benbow's resistance and perceived a risk to his own safety and that of his colleagues. He stated that the Taser was deployed as a necessary measure to bring the situation under control and ensure the safety of all involved. The jury's decision to acquit reflects their acceptance of the officer's account of events.
This case highlights the complex and often challenging situations faced by police officers in the line of duty, particularly when making arrests involving resistant individuals. The use of force, including less lethal weapons such as Tasers, is a contentious issue, balancing the need for officers to protect themselves and the public against concerns about potential harm to suspects.
The Metropolitan Police Service has a strict policy regarding the use of force, requiring officers to justify every deployment of a Taser or other restraint techniques. Each incident is subject to review, and officers can face criminal charges or internal disciplinary action if their use of force is deemed to be unlawful or disproportionate. This acquittal suggests that, in this instance, the jury found PC Isherwood's actions to be within the bounds of reasonable force.