Police officer who twice kicked teenager in head gets suspended sentence

PC Laura Lawson admitted assaulting the 17-year-old when officers were called to a disturbance involving a number of young people on April 16, 2017.

While detaining the boy, she was seen kicking him while he was on the ground.

The attack was reported to the Independent Office for Police Conduct by the boy that the officer had used excessive force against him and two other teenagers and, after an investigation, she was charged with the assault.

Derrick Campbell, IOPC regional director, said: "During the incident in Rugby last year the actions of PC Lawson in our view strayed well beyond force that was proportionate and reasonable.

"As a result of a complaint made by the young man this matter has now resulted in her conviction for assault. In addition to our referral to the Crown Prosecution Service which led to the criminal case, we also found the officer has a case to answer for gross misconduct.”

PC Lawson resigned from the force following the court proceedings, which happened at Worcester Crown Court.

The police force will now determine whether the officer, who was based at Rugby police station, should face misconduct proceedings.

Two other alleged assaults by the officer against other individuals arising from the same incident were ordered to lie on file by the judge at Worcester Crown Court.