Independent Police Complaints Commission
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IPCC find case to answer for gross misconduct for BTP officer in St Pancras station investigation
The IPCC investigation into the use of force by a British Transport Police (BTP) officer during an arrest at St Pancras station in London has found a case to answer for gross misconduct for a police constable.
PC Peter Crofts will face allegations that he used excessive force, that the arrest was unnecessary and that both may have been racially motivated.
PC Crofts was filmed by a member of public striking Anthony Yeboah repeatedly on the legs with a baton during an incident at St Pancras station on 8 March 2016. The footage was posted on social media and following complaints, the IPCC conducted anindependent investigation.
The investigation found PC Crofts has a case to answer for use of force, duties and responsibilities and equality and diversity. BTP has accepted the findings of the report and are proceeding with a gross misconduct hearing which will be held in public.
It will be for a misconduct panel, convened by BTP, to determine whether the allegations are proven.
The IPCC have also recommended that BTP amend their training policies.
The IPCC referred the case to the Crown Prosecution Service to determine whether PC Crofts would face criminal charges in relation to the incident but it decided there was insufficient evidence to prosecute the officer.
IPCC Commissioner Jennifer Izekor said:
“This incident provoked considerable public interest and disquiet and the IPCC received a number of phone calls from members of the public. Our investigation found that PC Crofts has a case to answer in respect of the allegations that the use of force against Mr Yeboah may have been excessive in the circumstances, the arrest was unnecessary to begin with and both were potentially racially motivated.
“I am pleased that BTP has accepted the findings and is proceeding with a public gross misconduct hearing. I am however concerned that our report highlighted that previous recommendations for training for PC Crofts made as a result of a prior use of force had not been implemented at the time of the incident. I will seek assurances from BTP that it istaking steps to ensure that this does not signify particular weaknesses in their approach.”
