WIREDGOV

A Northumbria Police officer has been found not guilty of common assault and assault occasioning actual bodily harm following an Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) investigation.

We received a referral, from Northumbria Police, regarding the conduct of police constable Paul McVeigh following the arrest of a man on 26 January 2017.

The man suffered injuries to his face in police custody, which required hospital treatment.

Our investigation looked at the circumstances of the arrest, the officer’s actions and the use of force against the man arrested. The investigation was completed in May 2017 and the file of evidence sent to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), who made the decision to charge PC McVeigh with assault occasioning actual bodily harm and assault by beating.

The 48-year-old officer was today (Monday, 26 February) found not guilty of the charges following a trial at Teesside Crown Court.

IOPC Regional Director for the North East Miranda Biddle said:

“Our investigation reviewed body worn video footage of the incident, as well as taking evidence from PC McVeigh and other witnesses.

“The jury has determined that PC McVeigh’s use of force does not amount to assault. Whether or not PC McVeigh will continue to serve as a Northumbria Police officer will be determined by the disciplinary proceedings

“Our investigation found that PC McVeigh has a case to answer for gross misconduct in relation to his use of force and Northumbria Police agreed. It will now be a matter for Northumbria Police to schedule a gross misconduct hearing to determine what, if any, further action will be taken against this officer.”