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The Independent Police Complaint Commission investigation report into contact between two Hertfordshire Police officers and an injured man has been published.

The investigation found PCs Stuart Francis and Rishi Patel had a case to answer for gross misconduct in respect of their interaction with Christian Lee Thompson, following an incident on the Nickey Line, between Hemel Hempstead and St Albans on 16 July 2015. A subsequent gross misconduct hearing resulted in the dismissal of PC Francis.

Mr Thompson had been riding on a moped with a friend, when they came into contact with a pedestrian and he fell suffering serious head injuries. Witnesses said Mr Thompson suffered a bloodied face and a severely swelling around his left eye as a result of the collision, and although able to move Mr Thompson appeared unable to comprehend where he was or what was happening.

Police were called and a number of members of the public witnessed the subsequent interactions between the officers. The investigator also listened to recordings of radio transmissions made by the officers.

The statements from the witnesses and officers differed in several aspects, including whether PC Francis threatened to arrest and handcuff Mr Thompson and his physical contact with him.

Having considered all the evidence the investigator found that PC Francis had come into contact with Mr Thompson’s head, attempted to handcuff him and intended to arrest him, all contrary to the evidence provided by PC Francis. The investigator did not find that PC Francis deliberately pushed Mr Thompson to the floor.

In respect of PC Patel the IPCC investigator found that PC Patel used his knees to pin Mr Thompson’s leg to the floor, contrary to the evidence he gave.

Therefore the investigator was of the opinion that PCs Francis and Patel had cases to answer for gross misconduct in respect of the force used on Mr Thompson and for breaches of honesty and integrity standards when giving evidence to the investigation.

Have reviewed the investigation report Hertfordshire Police agreed that PCs Francis and Patel should face gross misconduct hearings.

The hearings were held between Tuesday 31 May and 3rd June 2016 and found the gross misconduct was proven in respect of PC Francis breaching the use of force, honesty and integrity and authority, respect and courtesy standards . He was dismissed.

The hearing found misconduct proven against PC Patel in respect of a breach of use of force, and he received a written warning.