Officer convicted after Tasering man for swearing at him

A police officer from Cheshire has been found guilty of assault after an investigation by the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) determined he had used excessive force while detaining a suspect.

On Thursday (March 31) PC Richard Jordan, 35, was found guilty of common assault by beating following a two-day trial at Manchester and Salford Magistrates Court.

The charge related to an incident in Northwich that occurred in April last year, in which PC Jordan used excessive force, including discharging a Taser, while arresting a man.

The court heard that 29-year-old Shaun Bebbington swore at the officer and PC Jordan claimed he was acting aggressively towards him.

Witnesses, including another officer, said Bebbington did not appear aggressive.

Mr Bebbington made a complaint to police, which was voluntarily referred to the IPCC. IPCC carried out an independent investigation.

District Judge Mark Hadfield said: “Mr Bebbington was angry but he was then calmed down. Having considered all of the evidence very carefully I do not accept you were acting in pre-emptive self-defence and I do not accept he posed an imminent threat.”

He will be sentenced on April 26, 2016 and faces a maximum of six months imprisonment.

In a statement Cheshire Constabulary said PC Jordan has been suspended and internal disciplinary procedures are being considered.