Officer dismissed following assault on woman
An officer who was convicted of assault after placing a woman in an arm lock has been sacked.
Police Constable James Ross, of Humberside Police, came across what he perceived to be a domestic abuse incident in Hull city centre on February 18 last year involving a man and a woman, both of whom had been drinking.
He claimed the woman assaulted him and as a result he was forced to put her in an arm lock to protect himself and defuse the situation.
However, the officer was convicted of common assault following a trial at Grimsby Magistrates’ Court in March. He was fined for the offence.
At a special case hearing on Wednesday (June 20), PC Ross accepted his behaviour amounted to gross misconduct, and he was dismissed without notice.
The hearing was told he had been involved in charity bike rides and he was also praised for trying to save the life of fellow officer Gareth Attwood, who was killed in a motorcycle collision three years ago.
Detective Superintendent Matt Baldwin said: “After the allegations about PC Ross’s conduct that day came to light, we immediately conducted a thorough investigation into the circumstances and he was charged with two assaults.
“He had pleaded not guilty but was found guilty of one count on the evidence presented during a two-day trial at Grimsby and Cleethorpes Magistrates Court in March.”
Lincolnshire Police Chief Constable Bill Skelly, who chaired the panel, said: “I cannot look behind the fact that PC Ross has a conviction for assault which took place whilst he was on duty. I have reviewed the case law cited.
“I feel that this refers to the law on self-defence in criminal proceedings and would be for the Magistrates’ Court and any appeal court to take into account when deciding guilt or innocence.
“Whilst there is a conviction I remind myself that I can consider the circumstances of the case when assessing gravity.
“PC Ross has failed to meet the high professional standards expected of a police officer.
“I have carefully considered all the submissions made to me today and in writing and I determine that the sanction is dismissal without notice.”
