A law enforcement officer has been acquitted of charges related to using a Taser on a suspected burglar, which resulted in the individual falling from a structure and sustaining severe injuries.
During a trial in east London, it was disclosed that Leonard Sandiford, aged 61, fell from a building after being tasered by Police Constable Liam Newman. However, PC Newman, 31, from the Metropolitan Police, was found not guilty of causing grievous bodily harm through assault following proceedings at Southwark Crown Court.
Chief Superintendent Stuart Bell, in charge of policing in Redbridge, expressed sympathies for Mr. Sandiford, who now faces life-altering consequences due to the unfortunate event. He emphasized the importance of holding officers accountable in situations where individuals are harmed during police interactions, acknowledging the challenging nature of their daily duties requiring quick decision-making.
The incident occurred on April 24, 2022, when Mr. Sandiford attempted to evade the police by climbing onto a structure after a pursuit in Woodford Green. As a result of being tasered by PC Newman, Mr. Sandiford fell from a height of approximately 5 to 6 feet, resulting in a spinal cord injury that left him tetraplegic and reliant on a wheelchair.
Following an inquiry by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), PC Newman, stationed in the East Area Command, pleaded not guilty on November 20, 2024, to the charge of causing grievous bodily harm.
Acknowledging community concerns, Chief Superintendent Bell stated plans to collaborate with local residents and organizations to understand the impact of the incident and provide necessary assistance. While recognizing the value of Tasers as essential tools for law enforcement, they committed to ongoing evaluations of their use and providing officers with regular training to ensure appropriate deployment.
PC Newman has been on restricted duties since the incident, with further actions pending as the criminal proceedings conclude. The Metropolitan Police Force anticipates engaging with the IOPC regarding potential misconduct investigations.
During the trial, the prosecution contended that PC Newman deployed the Taser not out of concern for safety but to prevent Mr. Sandiford from escaping, labeling it as negligent policing. In contrast, the defense argued that Newman’s actions stemmed from a sense of public duty and legitimate intentions, emphasizing his perceived risk and the need to protect himself and others.
Video evidence presented to the jury captured the moments leading to Mr. Sandiford’s fall, with PC Newman explaining his perspective and the circumstances surrounding the incident. He maintained that his actions were based on the perceived threat and the need to prevent harm, denying any disregard for Mr. Sandiford’s safety.
The court session also delved into the specifics of the event, including Newman’s assessment of the situation and the factors influencing his decision-making process. The officer’s defense emphasized his commitment to public service and the challenges faced in high-pressure scenarios, underscoring the need for a thorough examination of the circumstances leading to the fateful outcome.