MPS officer charged with common assault by beating
A Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) detective constable has been charged with assault following an investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).
Det Con Kevin Rowley, based at East Area Command Unit, was charged by postal charge requisition on Friday, October 18, of common assault by beating. He is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court today (November 11).
The officer is currently on restricted duties.
The MPS made a referral to the IOPC following the arrest of a 17-year-old male in Heath Park Road, Romford, on suspicion of possession of Class B drugs on April 22.
Footage of the incident, which appeared to show a man being repeatedly struck with a baton while handcuffed, was widely circulated on social media.
Ken Marsh, Chairman of the Metropolitan Police Federation, said: “We are aware of the charge brought against our colleague DC Kevin Rowley in relation to an incident in Romford. We can assure colleagues that we have been supporting DC Rowley since the incident in April and will continue to support DC Rowley as he goes through the legal process.
“What we can say is that in these testing times for Metropolitan Police officers, it is vital that there is not trial by social media – a short clip of an incident does not always tell the full story. And we would remind that everyone has a right to a fair trial.
“We can confirm that our legal team will be vigorously defending DC Rowley’s actions in court. The Metropolitan Police Federation will be offering no further comment at this time.”
