WIREDGOV

A Metropolitan Police officer who forced a man’s head against a wall during an arrest has been convicted of common assault.

PC Kashif Mahmood, based at Stoke Newington police station, was found guilty at Westminster Magistrates Court on Friday 9 February following an Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) investigation. He will be sentenced at the same court on 19 February.

PC Mahmood was investigated as the result of a complaint made after a man sustained a cut to his head on 5 May during an incident at a police cordon in Clapton, east London.

Police were present at the cordon, on an unrelated matter, close to the junction of Almack Road and Powerscroft Road. The victim approached police officers and is alleged to have insulted PC Mahmood, who responded by arresting the man.

During the arrest the man was pushed against a wall and cut his forehead.

The Metropolitan Police referred the incident to the IOPC on 11 May 2017 and a decision was made to independently investigate the officer’s use of force. The investigation concluded in September 2017.

IOPC Regional Director for London Jonathan Green said: “Our investigation looked at body worn video footage of this arrest, as well as taking evidence from PC Mahmood and a fellow officer, the victim and members of the public.

“We trust the police to use reasonable and proportionate force in the course of their duties, but a court has determined that PC Mahmood overstepped the mark and that his actions were criminal.

“A criminal conviction does not automatically mean a police officer will lose their job. Whether or not PC Mahmood will continue to serve as a Metropolitan Police officer will be determined by disciplinary proceedings.

“We found that PC Mahmood had a case to answer for gross misconduct for his use of force and a case to answer for misconduct for failing to obtain medical care for the member of the public concerned.

“It will now be a matter for the Metropolitan Police to schedule misconduct proceedings and on conclusion, determine what, if any further action will be taken against this officer.”