Sergeant convicted of attacking parents' neighbour
An officer has been found guilty of malicious wounding after becoming involved in a dispute over noise between his parents and their neighbour.
Sergeant Stephen Light, of Northumbria Police, confronted neighbour Andrew Grant on the night of April 11 after drinking more than ten pints of beer.
After entering his house in Workington, Cumbria, he struck Mr Grant with the end of a metal kitchen roll holder, inflicting head injuries that required seven stitches.
Mr Grant had been involved in a long-running argument with the officer’s father and mother-in-law over noise.
Sgt Light, who was off-duty at the time, was bailed to return to Carlisle Crown Court for sentencing on September 14.
Although the officer – who has 22 years’ service – claimed he was acting in self-defence, the court heard how he told officers after his arrest that if they released him, he would kill Mr Grant.
He was convicted of malicious wounding with intent but found not guilty of causing criminal damage to Mr Grant’s windows.
Superintendent Sav Patsalos, head of professional standards at Northumbria Police, said: “Northumbria Police expects the highest standards of its officers and staff, both on and off-duty, and we will not hesitate to take action against anyone who falls below these standards.
“As soon as we became aware of the allegations made against Stephen Light he was suspended from duty.
“Following his conviction for assault, we will progress the relevant disciplinary proceedings.
“I would like to reassure the communities we serve that this sort of behaviour is not reflective of the outstanding professionalism and commitment the majority of our officers and staff display day in day out.”
